Räyya Gracy is a designer who grounds herself in the importance of understanding art's dramaturgical and cultural perspectives. 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. She is a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where she obtained her BFA in Costume Design and engaged heavily in the Business Administration Department. Completing courses in Contract Law, Marketing, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship.

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, a Costume Administration Apprentice for the Glimmerglass Festival, a Costume Production Accountant for Carnegie Mellon School of Drama, and a Stitcher/Dresser at the Santa Fe Opera. 

Additionally, she is continuously expanding her horizons as an artist through producing multiple designs for Pennsylvania’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.

During her journey as a designer, she has developed costumes for the productions of In The Red and Brown Water, Alcina, Simona’s Search, Back To Methusela and The Bench. She has been awarded the Elizabeth Schrader Kimberly Costume Design Award, Pittsburgh Alumni Community Award, and the Judy Dearing Student Design 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.