Erin Orfanon
Washington,D.C.
Summary
I have two decades of experience in costume/clothing construction and ran a successful tailoring shop in DC for 5 years, but my true love has always been theater. After 9 years of working out of my home studio and raising my children, I am beyond excited to return to costume construction. Through my education and the various costume shops I have worked, I gathered a variety of techniques and established a dedicated work ethic. Transitioning to running my own tailoring shop in DC helped further develop my organization and customer service skills, as well as provide me with the opportunity to manage a team of employees and work with many individual clients. I'm skilled at meeting deadlines and maintaining a clean, functional sewing studio. The pandemic limited my work availability and extended my time home with my children longer than I'd intended, but strengthened my ability to multitask and grew my patience tenfold.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Tailor
Self Employed
09.2015 - Current
- Bridal alterations and special occasions tailoring for men and women
- Costume design and construction for local middle school theatrical productions (Ursula and the Tentacles for Little Mermaid Jr. and Crocodile for Peter Pan Jr.)
- Specialty Halloween costume construction for projects using foam, faux fur, and spandex
Co-Owner/Head Tailor
Ginger Root Design
07.2010 - 04.2015
- Conducted fittings and altered clothing to fit individual customers.
- Redesigned damaged, outdated or unflattering items of clothing, working with clients to create a functional, fashionable garment
- Designed, created and modified custom costumes and elaborate gowns for performances and events.
- Operated domestic and industrial sewing machines, sergers, steam irons and cutting tools
- Maintained customer expectations with open consultations and frequent communication.
- Determined best construction techniques to expedite alterations, meeting strict deadlines.
- Assigned team members specific projects. Oversaw team and kept members on task to meet deadlines.
- Trained and mentored newly-hired employees in a variety of alteration and construction techniques.
Tailor
ReVamp ReWear
01.2010 - 07.2010
- Altered vintage clothing for proper fit. Mended damaged clothing.
- Established tailoring notes procedure to ensure clear communication from fitting to alterations.
- Responsible for keeping shared work space and machines organized and clean.
- Designed, patterned, and constructed 40-piece clothing line for local boutique. Worked with store owner to realize their vision and produce garments according to their specifications, budget and timeline.
Stitcher
Vee Corporation
05.2008 - 11.2009
- Constructed and refurbished costumes for Sesame Street Live shows and various mascots.
- Worked with foam, synthetic fur, spandex, fleece, feathers and various other materials.
- Used both industrial and home machines, as well as a variety of hand stitches.
- Assisted with dressing models for photoshoots.
- Performed inventory tasks.
Costume Shop Internship
Theatre De La Jeune Lune
03.2008 - 05.2008
- Alterations and mending for remounted touring production of Figaro
- Copying and constructing costume pieces beyond repair
- Assisted in pulling costumes and accessories from storage
Wardrobe Head
Penumbra Theatre
10.2006 - 07.2007
- Responsible for alterations and maintenance on all costumes, as well as coordinating cleaning schedules.
- Managed wardrobe budget.
- Assisted actors with quick changes and general dressing backstage during all performances, including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Black Nativity” and “Blue.” In addition, worked as costume assistant for “Blue.”
- Created and managed pre-show set lists of props, quick changes, and general set dressing.
- Assisted with set construction.
Wig/Wardrobe/Costume Technician
New London Barn Playhouse
05.2006 - 09.2006
- Responsible for costume construction, alterations, and maintenance for “Stage Door,” “Grease,” “West Side Story,” “Secret Garden,” “Camelot,” and “La Cage Aux Folles.”
- Hair/wig stylist and wardrobe assistant for each show.
- Wardrobe supervisor for “Camelot” and “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife.”
- Demonstrated leadership by making improvements to work processes and training interns.
- Assisted Costume Shop Manager in pulling costumes from storage and preparing all rental costumes.
Stitcher
Barbara Barker Center for Dance
10.2004 - 10.2005
- Hired to mend and alter garments for dance performances.
- Worked under tight deadlines.
Costume Designer/Makeup Artist
Crises Point Theatre
05.2005 - 07.2005
- Designed and constructed 22 costumes with co-designer.
- Designed and applied special effects makeup every performance.
Stitcher
University of Minnesota
07.2003 - 04.2005
- Worked in costume shop building garments and doing alterations.
- Repaired and replaced pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons and lining using sewing machines and hand stitching.
- Assisted graduate student designers with fittings, taking measurements and detailed notes.
Wig Shop Intern
Guthrie Theater
05.2005 - 09.2005
- Worked with wigmaster to construct and style wigs.
- Tied and cut a wig for their production of “The Constant Wife.” Also helped with restyling and wig maintenance.
- Tied second alternate wig for Angela Bassett in "His Girl Friday."
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Theater Arts
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN08.2009
Certificate - Apparel Technology
Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Minneapolis, MN05.2009
Skills
- Experienced in tailoring, costume construction, alterations, mending, fittings, industrial and home machine sewing, hand stitching, sergers, and some machine maintenance
- Organized and efficient
- Strong communication skills and excited by collaboration with other technicians and designers to help create their artistic vision
- Adept with a wide range of materials and construction techniques
Timeline
Tailor
Self Employed
09.2015 - Current
Co-Owner/Head Tailor
Ginger Root Design
07.2010 - 04.2015
Tailor
ReVamp ReWear
01.2010 - 07.2010
Stitcher
Vee Corporation
05.2008 - 11.2009
Costume Shop Internship
Theatre De La Jeune Lune
03.2008 - 05.2008
Wardrobe Head
Penumbra Theatre
10.2006 - 07.2007
Wig/Wardrobe/Costume Technician
New London Barn Playhouse
05.2006 - 09.2006
Costume Designer/Makeup Artist
Crises Point Theatre
05.2005 - 07.2005
Wig Shop Intern
Guthrie Theater
05.2005 - 09.2005
Stitcher
Barbara Barker Center for Dance
10.2004 - 10.2005
Stitcher
University of Minnesota
07.2003 - 04.2005
Bachelor’s Degree - Theater Arts
University of Minnesota
Certificate - Apparel Technology
Minneapolis Community And Technical College
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