Esther Arroyo
Milltown,NJ
Summary
Innovative Costume Designer skilled in draping, pattern making, and costume construction. Committed to enhancing character portrayal and production narratives through collaborative design and meticulous attention to detail.
Experienced with designing and producing detailed costumes for various media. Utilizes knowledge of historical and contemporary fashion to create authentic pieces. Track record of effective collaboration with directors, actors, and production teams.
Patternmaking professional prepared for demands of creating precise and innovative garment patterns. Proven track record of working closely with designers to bring concepts to life and addressing production challenges with thoughtful solutions. Reliable team player known for adaptability and achieving high-quality results, possessing strong technical and communication skills valued in industry.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Costume Designer/Manager
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
New York, NY
10.2019 - Current
- Designed costumes that enhanced character development and supported production narratives.
- Collaborated with directors to create cohesive visual themes for theatrical performances.
- Supervised costume fittings, ensuring proper fit and adherence to design specifications.
- Draper and designer for all shows, 8 company shows, 8-10 graduation series shows per season turning sketches into finished costumes.
- Managed costume inventory, optimizing storage solutions and improving accessibility for productions.
- Consistently met tight deadlines under high-pressure circumstances, ensuring that all productions started on time with a fully prepared wardrobe.
Costume Designer/Manager/Draper
George Street Playhouse
New Brunswick, NJ
09.2001 - 09.2019
- Designed and created costumes for 1-2 theatrical productions per season while overseeing the costume shop
- Head draper and patternmaker.
- Collaborated with directors and production teams to align costume designs with overall artistic vision.
- Supervised shop staff and managed budgets, and maintained organized costume storage.
- Served as lead cutter/draper and worked directly with guest designers on materials and construction methods.
- Handled everything from concept to final fitting, always focused on supporting the director’s vision.
Assistant Technical Designer
Hickey Freeman
New York, NY
05.2009 - 08.2009
- Collaborated with design team to create detailed technical specifications for garment production.
- Assisted in fitting sessions, providing feedback on garment construction and fit adjustments.
- Developed and maintained accurate pattern documentation for various styles and collections.
- Communicated with vendors regarding material selection and sourcing for design projects.
- Reviewed fit samples, providing constructive feedback to ensure design intent was achieved.
Patternmaker
Walt Disney World Company
Orlando, FL
05.2001 - 09.2001
- Created production patterns from designer sketches for live shows and character costumes.
- Conducted fittings on performers and adjusted patterns for comfort and movement.
- Focused on efficient fabric use and wrote clear sewing specifications.
- Collaborated with designers to refine technical drawings into workable patterns.
- Utilized CAD software to create precise pattern designs and prototypes.
- Conducted fittings on performers and adjusted patterns for comfort and movement.
- Focused on efficient fabric use and wrote clear sewing specifications.
Draper
John Kristiansen Costumes
New York, NY
01.1999 - 05.2001
- Collaborated with designers to translate concepts into functional pattern designs for various Broadway and Off Broadway projects.
- Mentored junior patternmakers and stitchers, providing guidance on techniques and best practices for pattern creation and builds.
- Enhanced garment fit by creating precise patterns and making necessary adjustments.
- Draped designs according to designer sketches.
- Fit garments on live models to approve fit and production.
Education
Rome 2003 Study Abroad Program Art History - Art History
University of New Orleans Metropolitan College
Rome, Italy07.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Costume Design And Technology
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of The Arts
New Brunswick, NJ05.2001
Skills
- Draping & Pattern Making
- Costume Construction & Fitting
- Fabric Knowledge, Dyeing, Aging & Distressing
- Budget Management & Expense Reporting
- Period Research & Character Development
- Team Leadership & Shop Management
- Industrial Sewing Machines & Sergers
- Wig Styling
- Bilingual – English & Spanish
- Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Mac & PC
- Sewing techniques
Awards
Barrymore Award Nomination – Outstanding Costume Design for Nora (Delaware Theatre Company)
Timeline
Costume Designer/Manager
The American Academy of Dramatic Arts
10.2019 - Current
Assistant Technical Designer
Hickey Freeman
05.2009 - 08.2009
Costume Designer/Manager/Draper
George Street Playhouse
09.2001 - 09.2019
Patternmaker
Walt Disney World Company
05.2001 - 09.2001
Draper
John Kristiansen Costumes
01.1999 - 05.2001
Rome 2003 Study Abroad Program Art History - Art History
University of New Orleans Metropolitan College
Bachelor of Arts - Costume Design And Technology
Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of The Arts