Nicole Harrison

Nicole Harrison

Fashion

My education began with an Associates of Fashion Design from the American Institute for the Applied Arts in LA in 1990. This is where I learned the foundation of my core skill-set, from the top-most designers and skilled artisans in a highly competitive fashion region. From here I went to the University of Northern Colorado, where I received a BA in Visual Art with an emphasis in Art History and Ceramics. When I graduated, I began doing wedding dress alterations and custom sewing for a private outerwear Designer in Denver. I simultaneously held a 3-year internship with the Dean of Education at the Denver Art Museum, where I learned to infuse my artwork with a new-found love for teaching.

Around this time, I began costume designing for the Country Dinner Playhouse, one of the original Equity Houses in Denver. I was the Costume Designer, Properties Master, Wardrobe Head and Dresser when it closed in 1990, having designed over 50 shows. From there, I went to the Arvada Center, where I became their Properties Master. The Arvada Center was full of opportunities for me and I soon became their Costume Shop Manager, while also designing the costumes for the Children’s Theater. This evolved into me becoming their Resident Designer for over 12 years, designing over 85 shows. I left Arvada when I had my son, and became a freelance Designer, working at several local and regional theaters.

I was reunited with my love of teaching when I was hired to teach Costume classes for the Theater Department at Red Rocks Community College. From here I moved to Metropolitan State University of Denver, where I currently teach Stage Makeup and Theater courses. I am a Guest Artist at Denver School of the Arts, where I design the giant All-school Musical each year, as well as many other productions. I am the Manager of the Costume Shop and also mentor student designers. I continue to design costumes throughout the state, teach at both schools, and operate my rental business.