Denitsa Bliznakova
Professor
Head of Costume Design and Technology
School of Theatre, Television, and Film
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
SDSU
Bio
Professor Bliznakova leads the Design and Technology Program in the School of Theatre, Television, and Film at San Diego State University. Denitsa is a Bulgarian born professional costume designer whose work has been seen nation-wide at venues including Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, Geffen Playhouse, Boston Court Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Repertory, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, A Noise Within, Williamstown Theatre Festival among others. Denitsa’s opera credits include productions at Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Opera and Santa Fe Opera. Costume design and stylist credits for other media include: music videos, short and full-length films.
Denitsa joined the faculty at SDSU’s School of Theatre, TV, and Film in 2007 and has led the Costume Design and Technology area since then. She teaches courses in Costume Design, Theatre Rendering, Collaborative Studies, co-teaches Period Dress and Décor, and other costume related courses offered at the school. She is an advocate for sustainability and innovation in the area of costume design. Denitsa is also committed to the work of amplifying marginalized voices and helping emerging artists find placement in the entertainment industry. She has dedicated her academic career to providing that same meaningful mentorship that she credits for her own professional success.
Denitsa’s academic background includes a B.F.A. in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design (Paris and NYC), and M.F.A. in Theatre Design from Brandeis University. Denitsa has received Ovation Award nominations for Best Costume Design by LA Stage Alliance and also Henry Award nomination for Outstanding Costume Design by Colorado Theatre Guild. She is the 2020 recipient of the Costume Design Award from Costume Society of America for her work on the play They Promised Her The Moon at the Old Globe Theatre. Other honors include: Ruth Morley Costume Design award, USITT Young Designers Forum presenter, Academy of Television Arts and Sciences competition finalist, and two Golden Thimble Awards and Designer of the year nomination at Parsons School of Design. Professor Bliznakova is the recipient of the 2021-22 SDSU Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award. Denitsa is a member of United Scenic Artists local 829 Union, United States Institute for Theatre Technology and Costume Society of America.