Räyya Gracy
Costume Designer
2026, She/her BFA Drama, Costume Design
Räyya Gracy is a designer who grounds herself in the importance of understanding the dramaturgical and cultural perspectives of art. As a black woman in the costume and fashion industry; she believes it is important to showcase all perspectives of life. Especially those who have consistently been underrepresented within history and entertainment.
Her love for costume curation goes beyond the art of design and illustration as she finds it important to understand multiple roles within a costume department. Thus, she has worked as an Assistant Costume Coordinator and Assistant Designer for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Costume Administration Apprentice for the Glimmerglass Festival, Costume Production Accountant for Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, and an upcoming Stitcher at the Santa Fe Opera.
Additionally, she is continuously expanding her horizons as an artist through producing multiple designs for Pittsburgh’s largest fashion show Lunar Gala, and later serving as the Head of Production. Thus, giving her the knowledge to then self-produce and serve as creative director for multiple fashion productions surrounding commentary on fast-fashion and current events in society. In addition to her artistic journey, she has also engaged heavily within Carnegie Mellon’s business administration department. Through focusing on courses discussing marketing, business ethics, entrepreneurship, and accounting she has found ways to merge these skills into her craft.
During her journey as a designer she has developed costumes for the productions of, In The Red and Brown Water, Alcina, The Little Mermaid, Simona’s Search, West Side Story and The Terrible Infants. She has also recently been awarded the Elizabeth Schrader Kimberly Costume Design Award and the Pittsburgh Alumni Community Award.
Beyond theater she takes pleasure in engaging in thoughtful literature, observing and discussing art of all forms and being an advocate for black voices and artistry.
Work Samples
In the Red and Brown Water
By Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Taylor Reynolds
Costume design by Räyya Gracy
CMU School of Drama – November 2025
ALCINA
By George Frideric Handel
Directed by Seamus Ricci
Costume Design by Räyya Gracy
CMU School of Music – January 2025
Dance/Light: IT X Friday Night Funkin
Choreography by Nyree Bins
Costume Design by Räyya Gracy
CMU School of Drama – January 2025