Kim Instenes

Kim Instenes is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Costume Designer at Carthage College, where she has contributed to numerous department productions and mentored students. She previously taught at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Lawrence University. Her work spans academic and professional theatre, with a focus on costume design and makeup.

• Education: MFA in Costume Design and Technology (Ohio University), BA in Theatre (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater).

Instenes’s research interests revolve around costume design, historical accuracy in theatrical productions, and the intersection of costume with character development. She has designed costumes for plays such as The Imaginary Invalid, Sweeney Todd, and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, emphasizing technical precision and creative storytelling. Her collaborations with institutions like the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and the Utah Shakespearean Festival highlight her contributions to both academic and professional theatre scenes.

She has received accolades for her designs, including recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for works like Lysistrata and Into the Woods. Instenes actively participates in the Kennedy Center festival, bringing Carthage’s award-winning productions and students to national stages.

• Advising & Grants: Focused on student success and creative growth, with no specific grants mentioned. Her mentorship has led to notable achievements among her students.

Instenes is deeply involved in Carthage’s Theatre Department, fostering collaborations with colleagues and guest artists to cultivate high-quality theatre artists. Her work bridges academic training with professional practice, emphasizing the transformative role of costume in character development.