Mastering the Art of Costume Storytelling with Melinda Basaca

This FREE session with MELINDA BASACA, the Associate Costume Director at the Public Theater in New York City, was recorded on May 11, 2026.

Melinda Basaca has been a full-time staff member for almost 10 years. Cumulatively, Melinda has been working at the Public Theater for about 14 years, initially working as a wardrobe supervisor, wig supervisor, and costume shop PA doing stitching, crafting, and other duties. She has a career working in theater / performing arts spanning 20 years working at Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsalis Orchestra, John Jay College Gerald W. Lynch Theater, Joffrey Ballet School, New York Theater Workshop, Signature Theatre, and other NYC performance institutions.

She has a degree in business for marketing and management, associate’s degree, and master’s degree in Fashion Design. Melinda is finishing her second term as Staff Board Representative at the Public Theater, where she acts as a liaison between the full-time staff and the Public Theater’s Board.

She is also on the executive board of the Filipino American National Historical Society for Metro NY (FANHS-MNY) and is on the FAME GC Advisory board, founded in her hometown.

At the Public Theater she is a part of the cultural steering committee, the POC, and AAPI affinity groups. She grew up on Long Island New York, with Filipino parents who immigrated to the U.S. in the late 60’s, and has a beautiful, loyal pitbull named Utah.

FAME GC's programming relies on financial donations. If you are interested in making a donation, or sponsoring a future Mastering the Art program, we would love to hear from you: Info@famegc.org.

To view previous episodes see our YouTube page.