Leila Husain

San Jose,CA

Summary

Accomplished Costume Designer with Notre Dame High School Theater Department, adept in sewing techniques and project management. Enhanced production quality through creative vision and collaboration, consistently meeting tight deadlines. Successfully managed budgets, optimizing resources for high-impact results. Elevated character portrayal by integrating historical accuracy, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate among directors and actors. Personable and organized individual with a talent for coordinating logistics and managing time-sensitive tasks. Possesses a solid understanding of production processes and technical requirements, adept at using scheduling software and ensuring seamless communication among team members. Committed to creating smooth and efficient productions that enhance audience experiences.

Overview

year of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Costume Designer

Notre Dame High School Theater Department

San Jose, CA

04.2025 - Current

Designed and constructed costumes for various theater productions, ensuring alignment with creative vision.
Collaborated with directors and actors to develop costume concepts that enhance character portrayal.
Conducted fittings to ensure proper fit and comfort, making adjustments as needed for performers.
Researched historical and thematic elements to inform costume design choices for authenticity.
Managed costume inventory, organizing pieces for efficient access during rehearsals and performances.
Assisted in sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers to optimize budget while maintaining quality standards.
Trained student volunteers on basic sewing techniques and costume maintenance practices.
Developed a streamlined process for costume returns post-production, improving overall departmental efficiency.
Led fittings with actors, making necessary adjustments to ensure proper fit and comfort while maintaining the integrity of the design.
Read scripts and researched appropriate costumes.
Expanded creative skillset through continuous professional development opportunities such as workshops, courses, or conferences.
Managed budgets and timelines effectively, ensuring all costumes were completed on time and within budget constraints.
Oversaw operation of on-site costume shop.
Determined financial goals and in-season projections.
Consistently met tight deadlines under high-pressure circumstances, ensuring that all productions started on time with a fully prepared wardrobe.
Attended and participated in extensive rehearsals for stage and film productions.
Collaborated with directors and producers to create visually striking costumes that supported the overall vision of the production.
Supported casting decisions by consulting on actor body types or sizes in relation to specific costume requirements or limitations.
Created detailed documentation for each costume piece, ensuring consistency across multiple productions or performers.
Assisted in set dressing tasks when needed, contributing to cohesive visual storytelling throughout a production.
Created import and sourcing initiatives for fabrics and accessories.
Improved wardrobe maintenance processes by establishing cleaning schedules and storage protocols to prolong the life of costumes.
Enhanced costume designs by incorporating historical accuracy and cultural relevance into each project.
Offered valuable feedback on model selection, fit and effectiveness on set.
Followed up on missing samples with sample specialists and buyers.
Organized samples according to daily shooting schedule.
Streamlined the costume design process by implementing organizational systems for sketches, fabric samples, and measurements.
Oversaw all phases of production for Pick Your Poison, from pre- to post-production.
Researched and sourced high-quality materials for costume construction, resulting in durable and visually appealing designs.
Elevated production quality by collaborating closely with lighting designers to achieve optimal color balance between costumes and stage lighting.
Suggested style changes to creative team to achieve improved designs.
Took up and let down hems to shorten or lengthen garment parts.
Clearly communicated design revisions to members of fashion design team.
Completed alterations to existing outfits to fit specific body sizes and types.
Organized and managed all outfitting and styling for Musical cast of 48 members.
Adapted existing costumes for new productions or characters as needed while preserving original designs'' essence.
Properly accessorized costumes for period films and plays.
Facilitated smooth transitions between costume changes by coordinating with stage managers and wardrobe crew members.
Steamed and pressed garments prior to runway shows.
Tracked all clothing and accessories used in runway shows and photo shoots.
Maintained positive, professional attitude during long shoots and when dealing with difficult people.
Cleaned blush, foundation and other makeup stains off of fabric using club soda and gentle detergents.
Determined proper shoes, jewelry, head wear, and other accessories to complement designer outfits.
Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on design techniques and industry best practices.
Supported models when clothing was uncomfortable.
Adjusted clothing once model was dressed, making sure all garments fit properly and looked perfect.
Developed entire looks encompassing garments, makeup, and wigs.
Supervised 21 staff, offered feedback and enforced deadlines.
Created visually appealing character styles that married story with director vision.
Utilized specialized sewing techniques such as draping or pattern-making to create unique garments tailored specifically for individual performers.
Increased client satisfaction through effective communication of their visions throughout the design process.

Stage Manager

Notre Dame High School Theater Department

San Jose

08.2024 - Current

Assisted in coordinating rehearsals, ensuring timely setup and smooth transitions between scenes.
Supported stage management team in executing production schedules and maintaining organizational flow.
Communicated effectively with cast and crew to relay instructions and updates during performances.
Monitored props and set pieces for readiness, enhancing overall production quality and efficiency.
Communicated with cast and crew to ensure smooth operation during productions.
Adapted quickly to changing circumstances, maintaining performance quality under pressure.
Supported production team by organizing props and set elements efficiently.
Documented technical notes for future reference and process improvement.
Oversaw successful execution of technical cues during live performances, ensuring seamless transitions between scenes.
Enforced safety measures due to potential stage equipment hazards.
Collaborated with directors and producers to achieve desired artistic vision for productions.
Provided strong leadership under high-pressure situations while prioritizing the well-being of all team members involved.
Organized rehearsals schedules, maximizing productivity and minimizing conflicts among cast members and crew.
Worked with director to develop effective use of rehearsal times.
Implemented effective time management strategies during rehearsals, optimizing productivity while adhering to strict deadlines.
Alleviated issues between actors on set to keep projects on track and avoid delays or budget overages.
Remained highly composed and calm in very fast-paced, stressful and constantly changing environments to provide optimal leadership and achieve desired results.
Implemented feedback mechanisms for cast and crew, fostering continuous improvement.
Addressed and resolved unforeseen issues during live performances, ensuring show proceeded smoothly.
Developed and enforced safety protocols for all stage activities, ensuring safe working environment.
Trained new team members in stage management protocols, improving team skill levels.
Orchestrated successful load-ins and strikes for each production, maintaining schedule adherence.
Ensured seamless execution of live performances by coordinating all backstage activities, enhancing show quality.
Maintained detailed records of production expenses to track financial performance.
Fostered collaborative environment among cast and crew, elevating overall performance quality.
Oversaw inventory management of costumes, ensuring availability for all productions.
Cultivated relationships with local schools and community groups to encourage participation in theater education programs.
Managed budget allocations for costumes, optimizing resources.
Managed budgets responsibly, allocating funds appropriately across various aspects of productions to maximize return on investment.
Collaborated with technical crew and cast to safeguard presentation of artistic vision.
Enhanced production quality by implementing efficient stage management techniques and processes.

Special Education Teacher Aid

Discovery Charter School Phoenix

Campbell, CA

08.2024 - 06.2025

Monitored student progress, adjusting instructional methods to ensure academic growth and success.
Established positive relationships with families, fostering open communication regarding student development.
Advocated for student resources, enhancing access to services that promote educational equity and inclusion.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Fostered positive learning environment, reducing classroom disruptions through effective behavior management strategies.
Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.

Education

In High School (Junior) -

Notre Dame San Jose High School

San Jose

06-2027

Skills

Sewing techniques
Tailoring and accessorizing
Alterations
Creative vision

Management skills
Wardrobe maintenance
Shop management
Script analysis

Accomplishments

Honor roll last 2 years of high school

Certification

AED (Adult, child, infant) Training - June 2023
First Aid Training - June 2023
CPR (Adult, child, infant) Training - June 2023

Timeline

Costume Designer

Notre Dame High School Theater Department

04.2025 - Current

Stage Manager

Notre Dame High School Theater Department

08.2024 - Current

Special Education Teacher Aid

Discovery Charter School Phoenix

08.2024 - 06.2025

In High School (Junior) -

Notre Dame San Jose High School

Awards

"Perfect Fit" award for excellence in costume/stage management in April of 2025