Nicole Slaven

Costume Design

Nicole Slaven is a costume designer and teaching artist from Chesapeake, Virginia. Nicole believes that the best theatre is made well; born through execution that lives up to its intentions, worthy of the precious resources that it costs. Activism and co-conspiracy are a core part of her artistic practice and she is seeking to share space with others who want to create an industry that is worthy of our efforts and inclusive of diverse voices.

Nicole chooses to collaborate with artists who pursue the improbable; without these alliances, her work would likely remain unchallenged and limited. She has been fortunate to find employment as a designer at many off broadway, regional, and educational institutions.

She does not feel defined by her show credits or award nominations, but would rather be measured by the solidarity created through these experiences that bridge cultural differences.

Nicole is a proud participant in the Black Lives Matter and Abolish ICE movements and cherishes her time spent in the pursuit of racial and social justice through Riders for Black Lives, a Brooklyn-based community mutual aid group. She has received most of her training and knowledge through generous offerings from our community and holds a BFA in Costume Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. She currently lives in Flatbush, Brooklyn with her partner Alejandro.