Ep.53: Dr Madeline Taylor: Costume Maker and Designer, Researcher, Educator - "In the creative space, everybody's identity is so tied up to kind of the creative work that they're making" (Audio)

Dr Madeline Taylor is a costume maker and designer, researcher and educator who bridges the worlds of academic theory and industry practice. Starting as a bright-eyed costume trainee at 17, her research work draws on over two decades of professional experience spanning over 90 productions in theatre, dance, opera, circus and film across Australia and the UK. A lecturer at Queensland University of Technology,  Dr Taylor's research explores the emotional and social intelligence required for creative practice, the interpersonal dynamics of collaboration, and the crucial question of "how can we work together better?" Her work frequently investigates the often-overlooked contributions of technical practitioners in the creative process, with insights applicable across the performing arts. As co-director of The Stitchery Collective, a Meanjin/Brisbane-based design group focused on prompting social and cultural change through creative practice, Madeline has championed innovative approaches to inclusivity and sustainability. Her academic credentials include a PhD from University of Melbourne, a research internship at London's Victoria & Albert Museum, and serving as Treasurer for ScenoLab, Australia’s OISTAT centre. She is currently a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Aalto University with a project exploring how and why (or why not) costume practitioners are adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. Her first book Costumers at Work: The Collaborative Creativity, Emotional Labour, and Technical Skill of Costume Creation is being published in June 2025.

 

 

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Credits for the StageLync Podcast

Hosts: Anna Robb
Editor: Rose Anne Fermocil
Music: Jeremy Willi
Design: Em Holt
Production Coordinator: Roselle Bernardo
Producers: Anna Robb and Andrea Honis