About
Tyler Whitcombe is an emerging costume designer and technician from the Perth Hills in Western Australia. Since she was a young girl Tyler has been captivated by how clothing and storytelling collide whether than be through film, theatre or musical performance. Tyler is inspired by the escapism that art allows and it's ability to transport people to other worlds.
Studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Tyler had the opportunity to work in both crew and supervisory roles across a myriad of live shows across disciplines such musical theatre, acting and dance. For her final show at WAAPA she had the role of Head Cutter for the rock musical Spring Awakening which was performed in the outdoor amphitheater.
Through garment construction, art finishing, millinery and pattern making Tyler finds it interesting to see how practical choices are influenced and informed by characterization. During her second year at WAAPA Tyler created a 1860s period garment inspired by the character Lydia Deetz from Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. She found this creative process extremely interesting as she manipulated colour palette, silhouette and fabric choice to create a garment that was both period accurate and original.
In addition to being in the workroom Tyler enjoys being in a fast paced backstage environment. Having dressed on performances such as Strictly Ballroom, Cry Baby, A Chorus Line and Rock of Ages she is motivated to ensure costumes are presented with attention to detail.
During her final year of studying at WAAPA, Tyler spent any spare time designing and sourcing for student short films and music videos as well as assisting styling on fashion shoots with London based stylist Ashley Conor.
In the future Tyler hopes to contribute to the film, television and theatre industry in both Western Australia and nationally. Tyler hopes to continue to collaborate with other creatives and to bring designs from paper to reality.