About Kat Lily

Kat Lily’s journey in the world of theatre began in the early 2000s, where she fell in love with the magic of the stage. With a deep-seated passion for helping people enjoy the arts, Kat now serves as the Access Coordinator for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. 

Throughout her career, Kat’s focus has primarily been in costumes, where she’s worn various hats including shop manager, wardrobe specialist, dye artisan, and more. Her dedication to the craft led her to diverse roles within the entertainment industry. 

Before joining the NJTA team, Kat held the role of Assistant Manager of Soft Goods Fabrication at Animax, a company specializing in larger-than-life animatronics. It was here that Kat’s heart for advocacy truly blossomed. She founded and became the voice of Undefined, an employee resource group dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and mental health concerns. Through Undefined, Kat found her calling in assisting others to access the arts and became a passionate advocate and spokesperson. 

Prior to her time at Animax, Kat served as the Costume Shop Manager for the Department of Stage and Screen at Western Carolina University. Here, she collaborated closely with disability services to ensure that students with disabilities received the necessary accommodations within the costume shop, further fueling her commitment to accessibility in the arts. 

Kat’s journey in theatre culminated in her earning an MFA in Costume Technology from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2013.