Jenna Damberger

About Jenna

Jenna Damberger is an Adjunct Faculty member at Niagara University, where she teaches and mentors students in costume production, shop management, and design principles. She holds an M.F.A. in Costume Design from Boston University and a B.A. in Theatre from Baldwin Wallace University.

Damberger is a costume designer and technician with experience across theatre, opera, and film. She works fluidly between design and production roles, often serving as both designer and shop manager on the same project. Her skills include draping, millinery, wardrobe supervision, and costume construction. She is also the founder of Tweed Pro, a digital toolkit that supports costume professionals, university shops, and freelancers with inventory tracking, measurement organization, and fitting notes. Whether designing full productions or supporting backstage infrastructure, Damberger brings precision, generosity, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

She received the 2022 Artie Award for Outstanding Costume Design (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) and the 2018 Artie Award for The Illusion, with a 2019 nomination for The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid. She has designed and built work for companies including Shakespeare in Delaware Park, Road Less Traveled Productions, Theatre of Youth, Second Generation Theatre, Ujima Company, and Buffalo Opera Unlimited. Her technical and wardrobe experience includes roles at Dorset Theatre Festival, Commonwealth Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater Festival, and others. Her work in both teaching and design is grounded in intention, clear communication, and the belief that storytelling flourishes when people feel seen and supported.