ABOUT
BIO
John Faas is the Executive Director of Richmond Civic Theatre and a lifelong theatre person who somehow keeps ending up in the right place at some very good times (his words, not ours). Before landing in Richmond, he served as Director of Development for Columbus Children’s Theatre, Vice President of Development for Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company, and held development roles with Muse Machine, Victoria Theatre Association, and Dayton Opera—where he also moonlit as an assistant stage manager for three seasons, because in theatre you don’t so much “wear many hats” as you duct-tape them together and call it tech.
John earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from Wright State University, performing in productions such as Inherit the Wind, Parade, Carousel, and more—plus the kind of résumé moments you never forget, like being coached by Jason Robert Brown and working on States of Independence with Broadway director Tina Landau and composer Ricky Ian Gordon.
On the artistic side, John has music directed, conducted, played in pits, and helped bring a lot of joyful chaos to the stage—highlights include directing Zoot Theatre Company’s first-ever musical (The Rocky Horror Puppet Show), playing keyboards for Avenue Q at The Human Race, conducting The Drowsy Chaperone on the Victoria Theatre Broadway Series (starring Broadway’s Jana Robbins), and music directing the Dayton premiere of Spring Awakening. He’s also conducted Mame (one of his all-time favorites) and had the unforgettable experience of conducting his husband, Mike Embree, as Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
In May 2018, John founded Act Two Costumes & John Faas Designs, LLC—where he combines fundraising savvy, backstage grit, and a deep love of storytelling to help performers look and feel their best. Two of his all-time favorite career moments: meeting Broadway legend Jerry Herman and the one-and-only Carol Channing.
John Faas
COSTUME DESIGNER & COSTUME BUILDER
Experienced theatrical costume designer and highly skilled costume builder with over a decade of experience in educational, community, and regional theatre. Specializes in period garments, advanced construction techniques, and collaborative storytelling through costume. Known for reliability, craftsmanship, and the ability to deliver high-quality work on schedule and within budget.
RELEVENT SKILLS
Costume Design & Research
Script and character analysis • Historical and period research • Visual storytelling • Color theory • Fabric selection • Budget-conscious design
Advanced Construction & Fabrication
Pattern drafting & alteration • Basic Draping • Couture finishing • Basic Tailoring • Corsetry • Millinery • Period garment construction • Fabric dyeing & painting • Distressing & aging
Fittings & Production Support
Actor fittings & alterations • Costume maintenance & repair • Quick-change solutions • Dress rehearsal & run support • Collaboration with directors and stage management
Department Leadership
Staff supervision & scheduling • Budget oversight • Workflow & production management
COSTUME DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE
Costume Designer / Costumer | 2015 – Present
Community Theatre, Educational Theatre, and Regional Productions
• Designed and constructed costumes for a wide range of productions, from small casts to large ensembles
• Executed historically accurate and period-inspired garments across multiple eras
• Managed fittings, alterations, and maintenance throughout rehearsal and performance
• Collaborated closely with directors and production teams to support artistic vision
• Frequently worked under tight timelines and limited budgets without compromising quality
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SELECTED COSTUME CREDITS
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS – Stebbins High School (2015)
THE PAJAMA GAME – Stebbins High School (2016)
CLUE: ON STAGE – Stivers School for the Performing Arts (2018)
ANNIE – Theatre Lab (2019)
HARVEY – Stivers School for the Performing Arts (2019)
HELLO, DOLLY! – Indian Hill High School (2021)
ANNIE – Monroe High School (2022)
HELLO, DOLLY! – Dayton Playhouse (2022)
SWEENEY TODD – Monroe High School (2023)
HELLO, DOLLY! – Richmond Civic Theatre (2023)
HELLO, DOLLY! – The Carnegie (2024)
SOMETHING ROTTEN – Richmond Civic Theatre (2024)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (RSC) – Monroe High School (2025)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (RSC)– Richmond Civic Theatre (2025)
CHICAGO – Monroe High School (2026)
EDUCATION
B.F.A. Theatre
Wright State University — Dayton, Ohio