Aly Amidei

Aly Amidei is an Associate Professor of Costume Design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on new works, re-envisioned classics, and immersive theatre. She explores accessibility in performing arts for people with disabilities and the intersection of pop culture with costume design for video games and sci-fi/horror genres.

Education:

• MA & MFA in Costume Design (Carnegie Mellon University, 2000)
• BA in Theatre (Knox College, 1997)
• Certificate in Fashion Design (College of Dupage, 2015)
• Graduate Certificate in Anti-Racism in Urban Education (UNC-Charlotte, 2023)

Research Interests:

• Disability inclusion in theatre education and design
• Costume design for immersive environments
• Technological innovations in theatre (e.g., LEDs in costumes)
• Representation in costume design for marginalized groups

Key Contributions:

• Pioneered accessibility frameworks for performing arts institutions
• Authored plays blending horror/sci-fi themes with social commentary
• Explored Orientalism in costume design through works like Flash Gordon

Awards & Recognition:

• Joseph Jefferson Awards (2024, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2011)
• Wilde Award (2023)
• New City Best of Chicago (2013)

Professional Affiliations:

• Company member at Lifeline Theatre, Strawdog Theatre Company, and Buffalo Theatre Ensemble (Chicago)
• Active presenter at conferences like Costume Society of America and Association for Theatre in Higher Education