Accomplished costume designer Elizabeth Payne joins CCM's faculty

UC College-Conservatory of Music Dean Stanley E. Romanstein has announced the addition of Elizabeth Payne to the college’s roster of distinguished performing and media arts faculty members. A costume designer with more than 20 years of experience designing for theatre, dance and television, Payne’s appointment as Assistant Professor of Costume Design begins on Aug. 15, 2021.

Additionally, her work has been seen at the American Dance Festival, the Joyce Soho, New York University, the New York Musical Festival, the Clubbed Thumb and the Flea Theater. Most recently, she worked for two years as the assistant costume designer for the late-night talk show Conan on TBS.

Payne received her BA in Theatre and Art from Morehead State University in Kentucky in 2000 and her MFA in Design for the Stage and Film from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts in 2004. She is a member of United Scenic Artists (Local 829) and the Costume Designer's Guild (Local 892).

"Elizabeth Payne's expertise as both an artist and an educator make her an ideal addition to our faculty. Our students will benefit from the knowledge that she has gained throughout her multifaceted career," said Romanstein. "I want to acknowledge the excellent work of our search committee chaired by Regina Truhart, which included faculty members Michele Kay, Denton Yockey, Shauna Steele, Laura Molander, Tom Umfrid and Kelly Yurko."

Featured image at top: A photograph of a costume designed by new CCM faculty member Elizabeth Payne, along with a compilation of her costume design sketches.