Carlyn is a Toronto-based designer working predominantly in the city’s theatre and opera scenes. Guided by (and tattooed on her arm. Shh, don’t tell Mum) the mantra “To create is to live,” Carlyn approaches each project as an opportunity to build meaning through collaboration, craft, and care. She believes creation is not only a profession, but a way of life, and possibly the only acceptable excuse for late nights, matcha dependency, and a permanently full sketchbook.

Her practice spans costume, scenic, and prop design, alongside costume cutting and stitching, wardrobe management, and historical fashion research and creation (she is currently working on a fully hand-sewn 1780s ensemble from underpinnings to accessories). Rooted in a deep love of the arts and an unwavering respect for skilled trades, Carlyn is drawn to projects that value distinctive storytelling and the collective energy of like-minded creatives.

Her selected credits include work with Opera5, Opera Atelier, the Shaw Festival, Mirvish x Garner Theatre Productions, The Dance Theatre of Toronto, Second City, WhyNot Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, 1S1 Theatre, and The Capitol Theatre. Catch her upcoming work at the Capitol Theatre with Come From Away and Gaslight (Head of Wardrobe), as well as Farley Mowat’s And No Birds Sang and I’m Every Woman: The Whitney Houston Songbook (Costume Designer).