LNB
LESLEY NEILSON BOWMAN-COSTUME DESIGN
Theatrical Costume Designer
1992-present
My career as a costume designer began with an apprenticeship at Syracuse Stage and continued as a graduate student at the University of Connecticut's Department of Dramatic Arts. Since graduating in 1992, I've designed costumes for a variety of performances, including a Broadway showcase and several Off-Broadway plays. In addition, I've designed for a wide range of productions, including dramatic plays, musical theater, opera, children's theater and dance pieces at regional theaters and educational Institutions.
Downtown Cabaret Theater Resident Designer/Costume Department Manager.
1997-present
The Downtown Cabaret Theater is a not for profit, award winning theater in Bridgeport, CT. For years it has produced quality and award winning theater for children and adults. My collaboration history with the Cabaret began in 1997 and since then I have designed over 120 productions for both the Downtown Cabaret Theater's Main-stage and their Children's Company. Currently, I am the resident designer,and Costume Department Manager, responsible for supervising all members of the costume department, including dressers, costume technicians and the wardrobe manager, In addition, I serve as the liaison between the costume department and other production personnel.
The Hartt School/University Of Hartford Costume Designer
2015 - present
Since 2015, I have been one of the visiting costume designers at the Hartt School/University of Hartford. Design opportunities have included work for the Opera Department as well as the Theater, and Musical Theater departments. At Hartt I work closely with the directors, student actors, and all costume shop personnel.
The Taft School Adjunct Costume Designer
2015-present
The Taft School is a private boarding school in Watertown CT. Since 2015, I have been the Costume Designer for both the theater and dance departments. Each year, the Taft school produces 3 dance concerts, 1 large musical, and 2 studio theater productions. The students come from around the globe, and the collaboration between the faculty and students is an integral part of the learning process.
ASAP
After School Arts Program
2007-2019
ASAP, the After School Arts Program is an innovative arts program for pre-K students through adults based in Washington, CT. Professional teaching artists work with students in a variety of disciplines. My time at ASAP gave me the opportunity to teach a wide variety of subjects to many different age groups, including costume design, theater, jewelry making, creating recyclable art, puppetry, millinery, mask making, and sculpture. Collaboration between fellow teaching artists was integral to ASAP's teaching process, and the growth, support and empowerment of the students were primary goals.
Education
University of Connecticut
MFA Theater Design 1992
Storrs, CT
Syracuse University
BFA Fine Arts, Minor in Art History 1988
Syracuse, NY
Costume Shop Apprentice Syracuse Stage
1988-1989 season
Skills
Fine arts
Fiber Arts
Mask Making
Millinery
Fabric Dyeing
Costume Crafts
Makeup