Joni Johns Lerner

Joni Johns Lerner is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in Costume Design, Costume Technology, and Costume History at Western Connecticut State University's School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts. With over 25 years of experience in the New York professional costume industry, her work has graced stages including Broadway productions of The Lion King, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Wicked, as well as ballet companies like New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater.

• Education
  • BFA from Denison University
  • MFA in Theater Design/Technology from Purdue University

Her expertise spans costume design, technology, and historical evolution, with notable collaborations including Bette Midler's stage tours and Maurice Sendak's opera projects. She previously co-owned Fabric Effects, a New York City fabric dyeing and painting company serving theater, film, and fashion industries.

Contact: lernerj@wcsu.edu | Phone: 203-837-3984