Claudia Brownlee is a costume designer and educator. She is passionate about projects that bridge cultural divides and is committed to advancing sustainable practices in the costume industry. Her work is grounded in a deep appreciation for storytelling, history, and collaboration, with a particular focus on how costume design enhances narrative and character development.

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Claudia holds an Associate’s Degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (2014), a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater from the University of Maryland, College Park (2017), and an MFA in Costume Design from Carnegie Mellon University.

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Her professional experience includes roles as a stitcher and wardrobe head with Wolf Trap Opera and The Washington National Opera, as well as freelance design credits with organizations such as Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and NU-World Contemporary Danse Company.

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From 2018 to 2020, Claudia served as Costume Shop Manager and Resident Costume Designer at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) in St. Louis, where she supported both emerging artists and community productions through innovative, thoughtful design. Most recently, she served as Costume Director at Pittsburgh Opera from 2023 to 2025.

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Currently, Claudia is an Assistant Professor of Costume Design at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she continues to inspire the next generation of designers through her creative vision and dedication to the craft.