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Jason Orlenko

  • Assistant Professor, Costume Design

Education

  • MFA, Costume Design, Indiana University
  • BA, Theatre, UW-Milwaukee

Biography

Jason Orlenko is a theatrical costume designer and educator based in Milwaukee, WI.  His primary focus and research as a costume designer is in musical theatre, comedy, and historical work.  Prominent costume designs in Wisconsin includes George & Gracie (world premiere), My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, The All Night Strut, Souvenir, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, The Devils Music, and Forever Plaid at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre; Swing State, Circle Mirror Transformation, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity, and The Mousetrap at Next Act Theatre; Xanadu, Mamma Mia, Kiss Me Kate, and Sweeney Todd at Skylight Music Theatre; Buyer & Cellar, The Moors, The Wolves, and The Violet Hour at Renaissance Theaterworks; Peter Pan & Wendy, Arthur and Friends Make a Musical, and three productions of A Charlie Brown Christmas at First Stage Theatre Milwaukee.  Additionally, Jason has designed for Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, In Tandem Theatre, Forward Theatre, Northern Sky Theatre, and Third Avenue Playworks.  Beyond Wisconsin his design work has been seen at the Rep of St. Louis, Constellation Stage (formerly Cardinal Stage), and Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre.

His work as an academic costume designer includes produced designs at the Indiana University Bloomington, University of Alaska-Anchorage, Juniata College, Marquette University, and UW-Milwaukee.  For UW-Milwaukee Jason has designed Les Liasions Dangereuses, Love’s Labour’s Lost, The Rivals, State Fair, You On The Moors Now!, Once Upon a Mattress, Pericles, Dames at Sea, HMS Pinafore as well as world premiere productions of Corktown, Piggsville, and In Darkness Audio Flowers Bloom. As an educator Jason’s focus is promoting collaboration, generosity and creativity in theatrical design and production.  Also an experienced draper, wardrobe supervisor and stitcher, he works to establish cross disciplinary work with students interested in costume design and production, learning not only how to research, illustrate and develop character, but also creating, sourcing, and curating the physical pieces that will be worn on stage.

jasonorlenko.com

Recent & Selected Works

Ensemble performs energetic dance on a theater stage; one in a blue suit lunges forward while a central figure stands with arms out, others in colorful costumes behind.
Dames at Sea at UW-Milwaukee, Spring 2025
Cast in period costumes perform on a theater stage with a balcony set; two figures stand foreground while others watch from above and behind.
The Rivals at UW-Milwaukee, Spring 2023.
Two performers in period costumes on stage, one seated in a gold dress while another leans close; a table with lamp and draped cloth behind.
The Moors at Renaissance Theaterworks, Fall 2024
Two performers sit close on a stage set with a fireplace, one holding a glass while the other leans in behind, both in modern attire.
Switzerland at Renaissance Theaterworks, Fall 2025
Ensemble in metallic costumes performs on a lit stage, center singer in white raises arms, with dancers and band under colorful lights.
Mamma Mia at Skylight Music Theatre, Fall 2022
Two performers in vintage attire embrace on a living room stage set, with a sofa, table, and patterned rug in the background.
The Mousetrap at Next Act Theatre, Fall 2023

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