About Kristen P Ahern

Costume Designer - Ecoscenographer

At my core, I am a nerd for art, theatre, history, and storytelling of all kinds. I’m focused, detail oriented, and some might even call me obsessive or neurotic. I consider it my mission to teach people about history, cultures, and each other through my work while building a stronger foundation for environmentally and ethically conscious art.

D.C. Area Experience: University of Maryland, Monumental Theatre Company, Imagination Stage, Adventure Theatre, WSC Avant Bard and assisted at Studio Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, and Wolf Trap Opera.

Chicago Area Experience: Promethean Theatre, Boho Theatre Ensemble, Filament Theatre, Eclipse Theatre Company, Collaboraction, and assisted at Silk Road Rising, Lifeline Theatre, and Paramount Theatre.

Film Experience: Sigsaly Entertainment, and Gina Fontanini Productions.

I am organized and always have an eye to improving procedures and systems everywhere I work. I’ve managed costume shops and wardrobe teams around Illinois and Michigan including: DePaul University, Dominican University, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, and Quincy Community Theatre. I’ve also served as resident designer for Compass Creative Dramatics, Gorilla Tango Burlesque, and Hope Summer Repertory Theatre.

For a time, I even served as Artistic Director of Strange Bedfellows Theatre where I produced Inventing Van Gogh and the new work by award winning playwright Adam Pasen: Badfic Love. This broad artistic experience has made me a more

I am the founder of Conscious Costume a group dedicated to dialogue about the sustainability of costume design and production.

MFA University of Maryland; BA Western Michigan University

Check out my Redbubble store to buy fun things with costume renderings!

Ethical & Sustainable Source List

I’m compiling a list of useful sources for costume designers. It is a work in progress and I welcome any input or help on this project.