Brighde Penn

I am a graduate of the highly acclaimed New Zealand Toi Whaakari Drama School http://www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz Costume Construction diploma.  At drama school, I studied costume history constructing many historical garments and developed specialist skills such as corsetry and millinery. In my final year I produced Lorengorm The Wood Elf from the Spiderwick Chronicles as my major work. This gave me skills in different dying techniques as well as devoré, embroidery, felting and leather work. 

Since graduating, I have been working on a number of productions, including Costume Assistant for 3Foot7 Limited at Stone street Studios on the "The Hobbit", Wellington, New Zealand. I was involved in the hand stitching, finishing and jewellery departments.

I have been a dresser for the New Zealand World of Wearable Art show which provided experience with unconventional garments in tight time frames. I have worked in Costume, Props and scenic art department in Repertory Theatre: Belfry Theatres in Victoria, BC and Gisborne Musical Theatre New Zealand. I have had experience working for an upholsterer using walking foot machines and working with heavy fabrics. I have exhibited and sold my own art in a variety of mediums, including leather tooling, water colour and fabric arts.

I enjoy volunteering in community theatre projects. While I have been traveling, I have found this volunteer work to be an excellent way of getting to know a community and take on a wide range of responsibilities in theatres.

I grew up barefoot in New Zealand. Every school holidays were spent making costumes and puppets for our next production. Since I was a child I've wanted to work in a creative environment with dress ups. 

Brighde Penn