What do Queen Amidala from Star Wars, Rita Repulsa from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Drizella from Cinderella all have in common? They’re just some of the many characters that award-winning cosplayer, costume designer and Makerspace Specialist Lisa Hale has brought to life.
Graduating from Dominican University with a degree in Fashion Design in 2006, it was just a few years later when Hale discovered the art of cosplay. Cosplay, which is a blend of the words “costume” and “play,” is a type of performance art where costumes are used to bring life to characters from movies, TV shows, video games, comic books and more.
“[Cosplay is] kind of like my security blanket because I don’t think I could do this just as myself,” Hale said. “I was always so shy from a young age and could barely even speak or do a presentation in front of my classmates.”
In 2010, Hale attended her first convention while dressed up in character. She debuted at Wizard World (now known as Fan Expo) as The White Queen from Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. This positive experience led to Hale participating in many more conventions across the country. Eventually she found her way towards competitions, which challenged her fabrication skills.
Hale’s latest victory was at the San Diego Comic-Con in July 2025 where she won “Most Humorous” at the convention’s Masquerade with three performers, including her sister, beating out performers from around the world.
Hale created her Cinderella stepsister cosplay from scratch with the help of the Makerplace's equipment.
She also used the Brother Embroidery Machine, Brother 1034D Serger, Brother Sewing Machine, Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine, Cricut Mini Heat Press, Fancierstudio Flat Heat Press, Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer, and large worktables, all of which are available to members of the Arlington Heights community at the Makerplace.
“I love collaborating with my colleagues and even the community too,” Hale said. “I know there are people out there who do the same thing I do – come on out and don’t be afraid to come in and work on your costumes.”
Learn more about the Makerplace at ahml.info/makerplace.