Whitney Locher

Whitney Locher is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance. She joined the Oakland University faculty in 2020, bringing extensive professional experience as an award-winning costume designer to her academic role. Her academic office is located in Varner Hall, Room 207 at Oakland University.

Ms. Locher holds an MFA in costume design and technology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Before joining Oakland University, she maintained an active career as a freelance costume designer in New York City and internationally.

Whitney Locher's research and professional interests focus on costume design, costume history, drawing and rendering for theatre, stage makeup, and theatre design. Her work bridges academic theory with practical application in professional theatre settings. As an educator, she teaches courses including Costume Design, Costume History, Drawing and Rendering for the Theatre, Designer's Portfolio, Stage Makeup, Essentials of Theatre Design, and Costume Crafts. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the integration of historical context with contemporary design practices.

Ms. Locher's extensive portfolio includes numerous award-winning productions across Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, and international theatre. Her work spans classical theatre, contemporary drama, and musical theatre, demonstrating versatility across genres and periods. She has particular expertise in Shakespearean productions, opera, and musical adaptations.

• 2014 Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Touring Production (Into The Woods)
• 2015 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Into The Woods)
• 2015 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Outstanding Revival of a Musical (Into The Woods)
• 2014 Helen Hayes Awards: Outstanding Ensemble in a Play, Outstanding Supporting Actor (The Two Gentlemen of Verona)
• 2011 Obie Award Best Play (A Bright New Boise)
• Off-Broadway Alliance Award Best Revival Of A Play (Cymbeline)
• New York Musical Festival Best Overall Design award (twice)

As a designer, Ms. Locher has collaborated with numerous prestigious theatre companies including Roundabout Theatre Company, Irish Repertory Theatre, Fiasco Theater, Theatre for a New Audience, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and many others. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829, and serves as the Resident Costume Designer for Fiasco Theater and Partial Comfort Productions. Her upcoming projects include The Wild Party at Oakland University (October 2025) and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Curtis Institute of Music (April-May 2026).