570-850-1474
"Alisa is a swiss-army knife of skills and talents."
Philosophy
Learning, making, teaching
I believe in being in perpetual motion, a whirling dervish of "what if" and "let's try", culminating in new approaches and future explorations.
My dedication to craft is a testament to my fine arts training which has, in turn, greatly influenced my sculptural approach to theatre design. This is the beating heart of my “maker” style of teaching and producing.
Art is not static; it is the evolutionary process at its sexiest.
Art in practice
I pride myself in an ongoing dedication to smart designs, creative problem solving and superior craftsmanship.
Experience: at-a-glance
With over 200 designs under my belt, I'm lucky I can still fit in my drawers.
Adjunct Professor/Resident Designer
Arcadia University
August 2004-present
As a perpetual learner, my classes continually evolve and expand to include a wide breadth of offerings from costume design and construction to specialty classes like puppetry, craftwork and digital fabrication. During my tenure as Arcadia University's resident designer, I have mentored a number of students who have been nationally recognized and found professional placement before even graduating.
Costume Shop Manager
Arcadia University
August 2004-present
I firmly belief in training my students in all aspects of costume construction, costume craftwork and specialty applications like mold making and puppetry. Couched in an environment that builds a lively
dedication to being the best makers they can be, my students graduate with a range of skills and credits, both academic and professional.
Freelance Designer
1999-present
I have extensive experience regionally, in both the professional and academic communities. I strive to employ young professionals as assistants to help build their expertise. I firmly believe in the value of apprenticing young artists as a means to build a cadre of confident and skilled future collaborators.
Entrepreneur
Sacred of my Shadow, LLC
A women owned and operated business that specializes in leather masks and specialty costuming for the scare aficionado and discerning masquerader.
Workshop presenter
Sharing my expertise
Teaching two hour seminars to multiple day workshops, I have taught hundreds of people costuming techniques, craftwork applications, mold making and casting and adapting movie FX makeup techniques for the stage.
Skill set
The Swiss-army knife revealed
Rhino, 3D printing, laser cutting, leather work, mold-making (RTV rubber, silicone, epoxies and plaster), life-casting (silicone and alginate, body and dental), casting (latexes, resins,
plastics, acrylics and stone), prosthetics, simple circuits and wearable electronics,sculpture, painting and portraiture, airbrushing, millinery, wigs, jewelry, thermoplastics,
fabric modification, wood-working, carving, puppet mechanics, puppet costume, construction, research, basic Illustrator and Photoshop, devised scripts, producing original works, mentoring, hosting and creating fundraisers,budgeting and building a dedicated work environment.
Educational Experience
MAH, Arcadia University
Masters in Arts and Humanities with a focus on studio art and creative writing. Degree completed with honors.
2013-2016
BA, Bloomsburg Univeristy
Bachelors in Arts with a focus in sculptural studio practices. Magna cum Laude.
1996-1999
Muhlenberg College
1989-1991
Concentration in Acting and English Studies.
Let's Connect
Glenside, PA 19038
USA
570-850-1474