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John Polles is a New York based costume designer working in theatre, opera, dance, and film. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, John grew up in a creative, musical home and was raised on the icons of the 80s alternative and new wave movements. After moving to Brandon, Mississippi, John finished high school and attended the University of Mississippi where he received a B.F.A. in Theatre, emphasizing in Design & Technology. He is a winner of the 2025 Opera America Robert L.B. Tobin Director-Designer Prize.

Storytelling and character work are at the core of his creative process. A voracious fiction reader from a young age, he's always been fascinated  by the way stories and experiences are shared between people through various forms of media.

Click here to see what John’s been reading :)