set & costume designer
Welcome to my website! I'm Zishen Gao (Cindy), a passionate costume designer and theatre producer based in London, UK. With a Master's Degree in Theatre and Production Design from the University of Arts London and over 3 years of practical experience in both the UK and China, I specialise in creating visually dynamic and conceptually innovative costume designs for theatre productions.
Throughout my career I've had the privilege of working on a range of exciting projects, from UK West End and touring productions such as Heathers the Musical and Blood Brothers, to creating intricate costume designs for international theatre festivals. My work thrives on the fusion of cultural aesthetics, pushing creative boundaries whilst maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
As a Production Coordinator with Bill Kenwright Ltd, I honed my leadership skills, often independently managing entire productions and large-scale events. Whether it's leading multi-disciplinary teams, managing production budgets or ensuring compliance with UK Theatre Union agreements, I'm committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of my work.
I'm deeply inspired by the storytelling power of costumes and sets and love the collaborative process of theatre making. When I'm not in the theatre, you'll find me exploring creative arts such as illustration, sewing and crafting, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, all of which influence my designs.
Explore my portfolio to see some of my work to date, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to collaborate on an exciting project!