Rebecca Armstrong (she/they) is joining Bates as the Costume Director, bringing a wealth of experience from a career in costume design, technology and wardrobe management. With a BFA in Technical Theatre specializing in Costume Design & Technology and graduate studies at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Rebecca has honed their skills working professionally for the last fifteen years including five years as Head of Costume and Wardrobe at the Palm Springs Follies and a role as Wardrobe Supervisor at Charlotteville Opera.

In the last nine years, Rebecca has made significant contributions at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she served as Costume Shop Manager for the past five years. She has also designed costumes for the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, Glenn Korff School of Music, and Lincoln Community Playhouse, as well as freelancing as a costume designer specializing in drag and live entertainers.

A dedicated USITT member and lifelong learner, Rebecca embraces technology as a tool for creative exploration. Her specialties include working with sequins, rhinestones, feathers, and costume crafts such as foam and leather work, as well as shoe modification. Rebecca’s notable designs include productions such as The Prom, Bondagers, Head Over Heels, American Idiot, The Lord of the Flies, Fun Home, and The Legend of Georgia McBride.

Rebecca is committed to dressing everyone with dignity and respect, collaborating across artistic disciplines, and mentoring future talents in the textile arts. Her passion for creativity and exploration drives her to continually explore the boundaries of costume design.

Pronouns: she/they
Website: rebeccajarmstrong.com
Photo Credit: Nichole Emerson Photography