I'm a Los Angeles based freelance costume designer and theatre educator passionate about new & developing works (especially those written by or featuring strong women), inspiring confidence among other artists, and cultivating creativity in the learning enviornment! 

I've been recognized by the Kennedy Center for outstanding dramaturgical work on a devised play and was awarded a dramaturgical apprenticeship under Mark Bly at the 2014 National New Play Network's playwrighting intensive. 

Though I still design for the theatre, I've shifted my focus more recently to TV and Film. I work frequently on-set in both LA and Houston as a freelance designer and  Local 705 costumer.

Costume Designer | Dramaturg |Educator

Caitlyn Manfre

my credentials

I'm a designer most passionate about creating a story behind every choice. I want to dive into every character's psychology to reveal their true essence. I want to team up with the director and playwright to connect these characters to a modern audience through their look alone. I want to collaborate with actors to understand their way into the character. Because THOSE collaborations are what make this art form universal and connect us to the everyman in our audience. Collaboration is much more valuable to me than pretty clothes (and if you feel the same you've come to the right place.)

I want to get to know the script as a friend and collaborate with the creative team to create stories that move audiences. Costume Design is not just about clothing for me, and the production is not just an event on my calendar. My passion lives in the deep dives I take into the script,  analyzing every breadcrumb the playwright left. I'm a designer for the imaginative, the detail-oriented, and the conceptual - the directors who start a conversation with "I have crazy idea". Rock and Roll inspired Elizabethan costumes? I'm in - let's make it happen. Devising a story you want to make a statement? Sign me up for that! I specialize in theatre with a fantastical element and new or newly adapted works, but honestly, no matter what story you are producing, if you value strong character development over perfectly tailored garments, we'd be perfect for each other.

My style is rooted in history and research, but always has a twist and is full of whimsy; costumes that speak to every nuance of a character. That's why I'm in this, to connect their stories to yours. I believe in the power of story telling and I want to collaborate with you to tell the stories the world needs to hear. 

my approach