Influential Woman · Costume Design Theatre
Stormie Brennan
Costume Technology Instructor, University of Arkansas
Springdale, AR
Her Story
About Stormie
Stormie Brennan is a costume designer, educator, and costume technology professional with experience across higher education and professional theater. She has been working in the field since 2012. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Design and Technology from the University of Mississippi, focusing on costumes and wigs, and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design. Brennan has worked in nearly every role in theater costume shops, including as a stitcher, draper, crafts artisan, wig artisan, costume designer, and in wardrobe. She particularly enjoys costume crafts involving wirework, hats, and foam. She alternates between designing shows and building costumes. Her approach to the work centers on empathy, viewing theater as a mirror to society that fosters compassion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stormie
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is it costs nothing to be kind.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be flexible. Don't take things to heart. Things change quickly in theater, so you have to be adaptable. Know that it's going to be challenging but there's a lovely reward at the end of each production seeing everything come together on stage. Have fun with it!
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
You have to be very adaptable and proactive. It's not always a full-time year-round position; it's a lot of gig work and networking.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My family is my number one value. I have 3 young kids and my husband. Finding the balance of family life and creative work is very important to me.
In my career, my number one value is empathy. I work with passionate people who care a lot about the work we are creating. Theatre is a vessel for empathy, holding a mirror to society.
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