Costume Designer, Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer

Award-winning costume designer Michael Alan Stein is happy to be making his premiere at OSF. His professional journey began at Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where he studied clothing design.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Michael’s work has graced many of this nation’s premier stages, including: The Guthrie Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, and The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He has also garnered an international reputation. Mr. Stein is known for his striking silhouettes and vibrant use of color, and due to his versatility, his design skills seamlessly span across theatre, film, and television. Michael has been commissioned to design projects ranging from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to restaurant uniform design. Michael brands every project with his distinct sensibility and signature design aesthetic.

“My purpose, through character development, is to tell the stories of the people I encounter. My goal is to give form and function that is authentic to their situations, through their respective wardrobe choices.”

Because of his commitment to his craft, Michael is a sought-after lecturer. He is also on the advisory board for the School of Fine Arts at Dominican University. He is the recipient of many awards and honors, including a Fellowship from The National Endowment for The Arts and a Joseph Jefferson Citation for outstanding achievement in costume design. Additionally, his original sketch and design for world-renowned artist and photographer Renee Cox’s RAJÉ (RAGE!) superhero character are placed in the permanent collection of Archives of American Art at the Smithsonian Institution.