Department
Department of Human Communication and Theatre
Email Address
kgrengs@trinity.edu
Location
Ruth Taylor Fine Arts Center
Room
329

Kellie Grengs is a Senior Lecturer of Theatre at Trinity University, where she teaches costume design, costume construction, and stage makeup. She earned an M.F.A. in Costume Design from Tulane University and a B.S. in Apparel Design and Manufacturing from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.

With more than twenty-five years of experience in higher education, Kellie has dedicated her career to preparing the next generation of theatre artists through a balance of creative exploration, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving. Her teaching emphasizes both the artistry and craftsmanship of costume design while encouraging students to develop the professional skills essential to successful theatrical careers.

Before joining Trinity, Kellie served as Costume Director and Resident Costume Designer at Loyola University New Orleans, where she designed costumes for more than eighty theatrical productions. Her professional experience also includes costume work for film and television, regional theatre, and arts administration, providing students with practical insight into the many career paths available within the entertainment industry.

In addition to her work in theatre, Kellie has extensive experience in creative business management, marketing, publishing, and visual communications. She is also an accomplished photographer whose work has appeared in "New Orleans Homes & Lifestyles", "St. Charles Avenue", and the annual "Southern Glossary".

Beyond the classroom, Kellie is active in nonprofit leadership and grant development, applying her expertise in strategic planning, communications, and community partnerships to advance animal welfare initiatives in the San Antonio community.
 

Education

  • Costume Design M.F.A., Tulane University
  • Apparel Design and Manufacturing B.S., University of Wisconsin-Stout

Selected Publications

Eisenberg, Ron Aaron. “Local Activist Wants Abandoned Shopping Carts off the Streets.78209 Magazine , 2022, p. 10. 

Subjects Taught

  • Costume Design
  • Principles of Costume Construction
  • Stage Makeup Design
  • History of Dress and Style

Community Service & Involvement

Kellie has worked on fundraisers for nonprofits for over twenty years and looks forward to engaging the San Antonio community to support the arts and animal welfare.

  • Oak Park - Northwood Neighborhood Association - Board of Directors
  • SA Feral Cat Coalition - Volunteer Board Member
  • Council on Undergraduate Research – Member
  • Alpha Alpha Alpha – National Honorary Society for First-generation college students - Member

Teaching and Expertise

  • Costume Design for stage and screen
  • Costume construction
  • History of Dress
  • Millinery design
  • Wig and postiche design
  • SPX makeup design

Honors & Awards

  • Best University Production, Big Easy Arts & Entertainment Foundation Costume Design -“These Shining Lives”- 2019
  • Best University Production, Big Easy Arts and Entertainment Foundation Costume Design – “The Christians” - 2018
  • Best University Production, Big Easy Arts and Entertainment Awards Costume Design – “The House that will not Stand” - 2017
  • Best University Production, Big Easy Arts & Entertainment Awards Costume Design – “Godspell” - 2011
  • Best Costume Design, Ambie Awards from Ambush Magazine Costume Design- “A Christmas Carol” - 2007
  • Excellence in Costume Design, Kennedy Center American College Theatre “The Children’s Hour” - 2003
  • Excellence in Costume Design, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Costume Design – “A Doll’s House” - 1995
  • Best Costume Design, Big Easy Arts & Entertainment Award Assistant Costume Design – “The King and I” - 1994