Alumni Spotlight: Katie Riley

Katie Riley 

Over the past 110 years, more than 200,000 individuals have graduated from Webster University around the world.

Join Us as We Highlight Their Webster Stories 

Meet Katie Riley, who earned a BFA in Costume Design from Webster in 2001 and is a freelance costume designer for film and television.

What enticed you to choose Webster for your degree?

I was very involved with high school theatre and met Peter Sargent, who was the dean at the time and now the Conservatory namesake, via my involvement. He invited me to come to St. Louis to check out the program, and I was instantly hooked. The opportunity to learn in a conservatory program while having access to professional companies, like the Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep), was unlike any other design training program in the country at the time. I knew the training and relationships I would gain from a Webster University Conservatory education would set me on a great path for my arts career.

What stood out about your studies at Webster?

The way the Conservatory Program is structured, the students design and produce all of the productions. It was such a hands-on education where you are learning not only the theoretical design process in the classroom, but actually designing, creating and bringing shows to life. I will never forget the pride I felt on the opening night of my first main stage show, "The Caucasian Chalk Circle." The faculty encouraged such a supportive, safe atmosphere to take artistic risks and to try new things, while honing your creative leadership skills.

How did your Webster degree help advance you in your career?

I made so many great connections at Webster via the faculty, The Rep and OTSL. Those helped me to get professional design work during the summers and to graduate with a very robust portfolio compared to many of my industry peers. In turn, that rich portfolio and hands-on experience helped me to be admitted into my first choice MFA program at Carnegie Mellon University upon the completion of my BFA degree. All those building blocks and relationships helped me to get to where I am career wise now. The arts and entertainment industry is heavily based on relationships and every connection leads to another connection. The conservatory faculty really imparted the importance of those relationships.

What is your favorite spot on your Webster campus? Favorite spot around the University?

There is something surreal about being in the design studio after 11 p.m. Crew has finished for the night, and you and your classmates are in there hashing out ideas over what fabrics are best suited to a character in "As You Like It." Just the creative energy of so many young designers all in it together sharing ideas and art supplies in the middle of the night is a pretty special memory.

What advice would you give to others who are considering Webster University for their degree?

The faculty at Webster always felt so engaged and accessible to me as a student, and that was very important to me when I chose a college program. I think it comes down to what kind of experience you are looking for in a university. For me the small class sizes and conservatory program were unlike anything else at the time.

What's your favorite part about your job?

I am constantly learning new things! Every design project allows me to take a deep dive into a new world of character research — learning about everything from classical musicians to 1950s CIA undercover agents to NYPD detectives. Discovering the delicate details of each character on a project is definitely my favorite part. How would their shoes be scuffed? Have they been wearing the same jacket for years and how has it been worn down? My jobs have taken me all over the world — from Japan to Italy to Mexico. I have also been very lucky to shoot all over the U.S. on both television shows and films.

What's something valuable you've learned during your career?

Always say yes to a meeting or new experience. You never know where that meeting is going to take you and who you will meet on that journey. Stay in touch with your connections in a meaningful way. Pay attention to the work of your peers and colleagues. It is so easy to get lost in your own creative endeavors but it really does all come back to your personal relationships. Do not be afraid to activate your Webster connections! It is a unique bond, and I have always found fellow alumni eager to help one another, as well as current students.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now? What has your life journey looked like?

After Webster, I moved to Pittsburgh to complete my MFA. Currently, I live in New York City with my husband and 9-year-old son. I feel so lucky that I am, as my husband said, "Living my Dream" of being a professional costume designer. I have been very fortunate to make costumes for my career from the time I left Webster, working in theatre, film and television.

What was your very first job, and what do you remember most about it? 

My first professional costume design job was a production on "Smoke on the Mountain" at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. I am pretty sure I not only designed all the costumes but also did all the costume builds, as well! I remember feeling so excited to be a real "professional" costume designer, and honestly, I still get excited for a show I designed to premier in theaters or to drop on streaming. Seeing the magic of it all come together never gets old.

How do you spend your free time? 

My family and I love all the museums that New York City has to offer. I feel so lucky to have so many cultural institutions a subway ride away. We are also big baseball fans and spend lots of time in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium in the summers. 

Is there anything else you want to share with us?

I've said it before, but it bears repeating — take time to really focus on personal connections. You never know where they can lead you. Do not be afraid to reach out to others, especially in your Webster network. So much of going to school is about making those meaningful relationships! It also always pays to be kind to everyone. The person grabbing your coffee today may be producing a feature film next year. Kindness, grace and a good sense of humor go a long way.