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Costume designer and educator specializing in costume design & technology, make-up & hair, and stage management. I lead production-ready costume shops, mentor student designers, and build cohesive, character-driven looks for theatre and performance. I bring a strong theatre-pedagogy background and production leadership experience—from curriculum development to managing fast-paced shows. My work blends research, construction, fabrication, and practical stage execution to support artists and performers from concept through opening night.…Costume designer and educator specializing in costume design & technology, make-up & hair, and stage management. I lead production-ready costume shops, mentor student designers, and build cohesive, character-driven looks for theatre and performance. I bring a strong theatre-pedagogy background and production leadership experience—from curriculum development to managing fast-paced shows. My work blends research, construction, fabrication, and practical stage execution to support artists and performers from concept through opening night.

Michelle Elliott Winchester

Costume Designer, Hair and Makeup, Stagehand, +2

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Costume designer and educator specializing in costume design & technology, make-up & hair, and stage management. I lead production-ready costume shops, mentor student designers, and build cohesive, character-driven looks for theatre and performance. I bring a strong theatre-pedagogy background and production leadership experience—from curriculum development to managing fast-paced shows. My work blends research, construction, fabrication, and practical stage execution to support artists and performers from concept through opening night.…Costume designer and educator specializing in costume design & technology, make-up & hair, and stage management. I lead production-ready costume shops, mentor student designers, and build cohesive, character-driven looks for theatre and performance. I bring a strong theatre-pedagogy background and production leadership experience—from curriculum development to managing fast-paced shows. My work blends research, construction, fabrication, and practical stage execution to support artists and performers from concept through opening night.

Available to hire

Costume designer and educator specializing in costume design & technology, make-up & hair, and stage management. I lead production-ready costume shops, mentor student designers, and build cohesive, character-driven looks for theatre and performance.

I bring a strong theatre-pedagogy background and production leadership experience—from curriculum development to managing fast-paced shows. My work blends research, construction, fabrication, and practical stage execution to support artists and performers from concept through opening night.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Work Experience

Assistant Professor of Theatre (Costume Design, Make up, Stage Management) at Truman State University

January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2021

Taught a 2/2 load including Costume Design, Basic Costuming, Stage Makeup, Fashion History, Senior Seminar, and Intro to Theatre. Managed the costume studio and designed four main stage productions per year. Mentored student designers in costumes, make-up, and hair. Repeatedly nominated for Teacher of the Year.

Assistant Professor of Theatre (Costume Design, Make up, Stage Management) at University of North Dakota

January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2015

Designed, built, and managed costumes for four shows per year. Developed and implemented a four-year Stage Management curriculum. Mentored student designers and stage managers. Supervised small props and coordinated with technical staff.

Assistant Professor of Theatre (Costume Design, Make up) at University of Nevada, Reno

January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2008

Designed for four productions per year. Supervised costume shop operations for 6–8 productions annually. Mentored student assistants and introductory-level designers.

Costume Shop Manager at University of South Dakota

September 1, 2004 - Present

Oversaw rentals, fittings, construction, and student supervision.

Costume Coordinator / Summer Theatre Costume Coordinator at Minot State University Summer Theatre

January 1, 1994 - January 1, 2017

Designed for four shows per summer season. Supervised shop staff, quick changes, wardrobe crew, and strikes. Mentored student designers and wardrobe heads.