NICOLE JOY

She spent time as a stained glass artist and instructor at a local stained glass artistry.

In 2021 Joy was chosen as a Glowforge Education Ambassador, merging technology with art instruction.

Joy is a resident Arizona artist with a wide variety of passions. She has taught as a paraprofessional at several local schools, and has taught all grades; kindergarten through high school.

SET DESIGN

In the past 5 years Joy has created props and set designs and builds, New York’s Long Lake Camp of the Arts, Triad Performing Arts, Thirteenth Floor, local high schools, weddings and other events.

Her artwork has been featured in The Human Mosaic Project, Phoenix Fan Fest, and Triad Performing Arts of Arizona.

COSTUMING

Joy has been creating costumes, cosplay and historical pieces for the past 25 years. 

Experienced in draping, pattern modification and alterations, she specializes in creating costumes that are quick change and wearable for a variety of actors physical builds.

Her work has can be seen in local theatre companies, at renaissance fairs, and at Fan Fusion Phoenix. 

Joy has an Associates in Applied Science with Distinction; Fashion Design and an Associates in Arts with High Distinction.

skills to fit your production needs

Scenic Carpentry and Set Construction

  • Scenic construction from technical drawings, ground plans, and elevations

  • Framing, platforms, flats (hard/soft), stairs, and stage decking

  • Installation, and strike of scenic elements

  • Experience with theatrical materials: lauan, muslin, foam, MDF, steel, and plastics

  • Structural problem-solving for temporary and modular builds

  • Knowledge of stage hardware, fasteners, and theatrical construction methods

Technical and Fabrication Skills

  • Woodworking: joinery, cabinetry basics, precision cutting, and assembly

  • CNC routing and digital fabrication workflows

  • Laser cutting and engraving 

  • Upholstery and soft goods (sewing, fabric installation, draping)

Personalized Art Consultations

  • Scenic painting techniques (texturing, faux finishes, aging/distressing)

  • Prop and set dressing fabrication

  • Ability to interpret and execute designer intent

  • Collaboration with Technical Director, designers, and production teams

Shop and Production Operations

  • Shop organization, tool maintenance, and safety compliance

  • Inventory tracking and material sourcing

  • Experience working on tight production schedules and deadlines

  • Workflow planning and build scheduling support

Leadership and Collaboration

  • Volunteer supervision and task delegation

  • Clear communication across departments (design, direction, crew)

  • Adaptability in fast-paced, changing production environments

  • Strong accountability and follow-through

Theatre Costuming and Wardrobe

  • Construction of costumes from patterns, mockups, and designer renderings

  • Garment assembly, alterations, and repairs for performance use

  • Quick-change solutions and backstage wardrobe support

  • Experience working under production deadlines and tech week demands

  • Knowledge of costume durability, movement, and actor comfort

Sewing and Garment Construction

  • Machine and hand sewing (industrial and domestic machines)

  • Pattern reading, draping, and basic pattern drafting

  • Alterations: hemming, tailoring, resizing, and adjustments

  • Fabric cutting, fitting, and finishing techniques

  • Closures: zippers, snaps, hooks, elastic, and specialty fastenings

Costume Crafts and Fabrication

  • Dyeing, distressing, and fabric aging techniques

  • Accessories, and costume detailing

  • Working with non-traditional materials (foam, thermoplastics, found materials)

  • Embellishment: appliqué, trim application, and decorative finishes

  • Beading, and embroidery

Additional Skills

  • Soldering

  • Crochet

  • Beading and jewelry making

  • Stained glass (copper foil and lead)

  • Mosaic

  • Paper Maché

  • Paraprofessional

  • Mac and PC proficient

  • Office administration

  • Conflict Resolution

  • DEFINE THE VISON.

    Joy meets with the creative directors and production team, as we brainstorm needed set pieces. The goal is to get a strong sense of color, line, mood and budget to begin the design process.

  • DRAW IT.

    With the directors vision in mind, Joy produces a series of sketches with a "Blue Sky" mentality, offering numerous set pieces that can be scaled up or down, depending on budget and need.

  • BUILD it.

    As pieces are made, Joy meet sagain with the creative team regularly for collaborative feedback. Changes are made and implemented as needed.

  • SHOW IT.

    The end goal is to create an immersive world that meets the directors vision and allows the production to run smoothly as actors interact with there set and scene.