Meet Cassandra Sisson | Costume Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Sisson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson my career has taught me is even when faced with a decision that frightens you, it is imperative to focus on the potential for a positive outcome. As I’ve come into my adult life, I’ve learned that confidence in myself and my work are two things that don’t come naturally to me. I spent many years letting opportunities pass by out of fear of rejection or failure. Although that fear never goes away, allowing yourself the opportunity to be considered, whether obtaining it or not, has benefitted me far more in the long run.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always found something alluring about Psychology, and being a Costume Designer really allows you to play with and explore that. The way a person chooses, or doesn’t have a choice, on how they present themselves can be a big indicator of who they are, who they’re trying to be, or what they’re trying to hide. Ultimately it’s up to the Costume Designer, in collaboration with other project creatives, whether they want to be truthful to who the character is — or if there is more than what meets the eye. Having the opportunity to research and create a world in how people live and present themselves is something I can’t seem to get enough of.
Although it’s still very early in my career, getting to where I am now was not an easy path. I’m originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and both my brother and I are first generation college students. The prior extent of career opportunities in my family came down to trade schools, military service, and financial stability. I initially planned to go into Veterinary school, a financially safe and consistent career, but found myself constantly being drawn to Theater and Live Entertainment opportunities in my community. It became increasingly clear that Costume Design was something that was more than just a hobby for me.
I started working at our local amusement park in their costume shop and began learning the basics of how a professional production runs. I performed several different positions such as a Dresser, Sewing Attendant, Wardrobe Manager for the Grand Carnivale Parade, and designed select pieces and characters for the Grand Carnivale and Halloween Haunt celebrations over the course of four years. During this time, I was able to research colleges, and found my dream school – University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA). At the time, I had such low confidence in myself that I put off even applying for months, convinced I wouldn’t get in. After some encouragement from friends and family, I applied. To my complete surprise, I was accepted. I spent my four years taking advantage of every opportunity I could to learn and grow. One of my favorites being the opportunity to design a period piece, a stage production of Peter Schaffer’s Amadeus.
Following graduation, I was the recipient of the esteemed Television Academy Foundation Program Internship in the Costume Design category. I spent two months working with the Costume Designer’s Guild President Terry Gordon. My time and training there showed me just how vital it is to keep yourself open to as many opportunities as possible, ask questions, and stay connected with other industry professionals. These three things are the most valuable lessons my career has taught me so far.
I started by reaching out to others in my industry. This was a great first step to begin establishing my network. A willingness to learn is one of the most sought-after qualities an employer is looking for in the next generation of professionals. When they see someone taking the time to get connected, most will be willing to share their expertise and lend a helping hand in getting you your next contract. A general rule of thumb I follow is to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way until you have a consistent enough workload to keep you both financially and creatively fulfilled.
What I want others to know about me is that I have a passion and optimism for life. With regard for my career aside, it has been a foundational trait that has been the most consistently rewarding for me. That’s not to say I don’t have my fair share of “C’mon Cassie, get it together” moments of life like everyone else, but overall it keeps me focused on what is truly important in life, and inspires more honest art. Stop and take a second to observe, ask questions, and take in your surroundings, no matter how seemingly miniscule.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved to Los Angeles a few months ago and I still have so many more things to explore myself. But from what I’ve gotten to try out so far, here’s what I’m thinking:

Let’s kick off the trip with a drive to Point Dume in Malibu for some amazing views and toes in the sand. There are a few trails along the coastline that are beautiful to hike. Then you can change into your swimsuits and relax at the beach for a few hours. For dinner there is a restaurant a few minutes farther north called Neptune’s Net with fantastic fried seafood platter options. You can enjoy your meal with a great view of the ocean.
If you’ve never been to Los Angeles, of course you have to see all of the tourist spots. The next day we can check out the Hollywood Walk of Fame and see the Chinese Theater, along with all of the other shops and attractions there.
As a Costumer, it’s probably not surprising to hear I love shopping. Los Angeles has a ton of great shopping malls around the city, so I would love to check out Century City or the Glendale Galleria to shop around for a few hours. Then take a trip down to Manhattan Beach to walk along the pier. There is a fantastic restaurant called Esperanza Cocina de la Playa that serves upscale Sonoran dishes. Don’t forget to order a margarita or two with dinner!
And of course, no vacation would be complete without trying local foods and drinks. Some of the best coffee shops I’ve tried so far are Republik in Burbank, Series A in Beverly Hills, or Verve Coffee Roasters in Beverly Grove. While digesting, we can check out The Grove and The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. If you’re feeling like sushi, one of the best places I’ve tried so far is called Chiba Japanese in North Hollywood. Finishing off with dessert, pop over to Vallarta Supermarkets and try out a slice of their Tres Leches cake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe many thanks to the Television Academy Foundation Internship and my mentor, Terry Gordon. The Academy Internship program jump started my career in so many more ways than I could’ve imagined possible. I had the immense pleasure of working with Terry and many of her colleagues last summer, even amid the difficult strikes. They were all more than happy to answer any question I had while offering invaluable advice about the industry. Thank you so much!

Without a doubt, the most important factor in my success has been the unyielding and passionate support from my family and friends. I am extremely lucky to have people in my life that want me to succeed just as much as I do. Every step of the way they have been there to support and encourage me to see the potential in myself.

I come from a long history of creatively-inclined families yielding laborious blue collar jobs just to put food on the table. For many generations, hobbies like painting, sewing, or music were just that: Hobbies. It is not lost on me that without their hard work and sacrifices, I wouldn’t be able to pursue a career in the arts today. I take great pride in knowing that whatever I accomplish is because of and for every family member that wasn’t afforded the same privilege to try themselves.

I want to thank all of my friends and faculty at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. You showed a shy, unconfident girl how to create, collaborate, and learn what it means to truly be an Artist. Thank you.

In addition, I would like to thank Starlight Theater’s Blue Star Awards Program, the Live Entertainment department at Cedar Fair’s Worlds of Fun, and friends and faculty of Liberty Public Schools. These three programs have dedicated themselves to foster spaces that educate and celebrate Fine Arts for developing creatives for many years, and continue to do so. Thank you.

Website: https://cassandrasisson.com

Instagram: @cassandra.sisson

Image Credits
Gabe Best, Andrew Parkerton, Logan Benson