Since 1998 I have focused on deepening my aesthetic voice through a variety of theatrical works and venues in American theatre. As a master teacher of costume design, it is important for me to work in different theatrical forms—be it original works, modern plays, or the classics—any of which can be either musical or nonmusical in form.

In the last seven years I have had the opportunity to design for a number of regional theatres such as Steppenwolf, Cincinnati Playhouse and Actor's Theatre of Louisville. Over time, I’ve worked with many of the same artists on collaborative teams. This team approach reflects the philosophy of Northwestern's design program for the profession.

In addition to a solid design team, it is critical to me as a costume designer to have strong working collaborations with actors. I have had the opportunity to work with a number of extraordinary actors including John Mahoney (I Never Sang for My Father), Giulia Pagano (Spinning into Butter) and Mariann Mayberry (How I Learned to Drive), all included in this sample portfolio. Other productions such as Morning’s at Seven (Katherine Hellmond), Beast on the Moon (Heather Goldenhersh), and A Little Night Music (Florence Lacey) are not featured here.

Included in this CD portfolio, or on my website www.lindaroethke.com, is my academic vita, my professional resume and a representative costume portfolio of my work from 1998 - 2005. For each production, the portfolio includes a design statement, excerpts from my research journal, a selection of costume renderings, and photographs as available.

Because of its relevance to my work as a professional designer and my pedagogy as a teacher, I also include a sampling of my art portfolio. I draw to discover. I draw to see. I draw to understand. As the only teacher of drawing process to all undergraduate and graduate students in the design program at Northwestern, it is important for me to keep my head and heart in hand.