Walnut Street Theatre
I worked as a Draper and Stitcher for the Walnut Street theatre for a few years after graduating their Apprentice Program. Below are featured some of my favorite build highlight from the shows done post Apprenticeship.
Beauty and the Beast
I was called early in 2023 to spearhead the build for Mrs. Potts. The design called for a very geometric, yet light and bouncy costume. I patterned and planned the technical aspects of this costume. Once it was in one piece the rest of the costume shop helped to decorate at finish it.
Young Frankenstein
For Young Frankenstein I was assigned Igor's primary outfit, the trick faux fox stole with rip off head, and the captains "wooden arm". I also participated in the assembly line production of the medical students coats, and participated in full cast alterations and fittings.
|
|
|
Shrek The Musical
For Shrek the musical I was assigned to build Humpty Dumpty for two different child actors. During previews I was assigned to make Donkey a brand new headpiece and I only had the day to do it- an amazing turn around in time for photo night. In addition I was in charge of helping distribute and maintenance the entire rental package, along with fitting and alterations. Over a hundred costumes in various states of upkeep.
Matilda the Musical
For Matilda I was put in charge of making Miss Trunchbull's outfits. Miss Trunchible was played by Ian Merrill Peakes, so a padded under suit was also constructed by me to give Ian a more shapely figure while still being imposing. Her main uniform was constructed by me and the workout suit was fit by me. In addition for this show I made the dynamite hairpiece for his wife. Participated in general fittings an alterations.
|
|
|
Mac-Haydn Theatre
Summer 2016 I was the head Cutter/Draper for Summer Stock at the Mac-Haydn Theatre. A costume team of 4 made all the magic happen, with me doing all the patterning, fitting, cutting, and the rest of the group sewing and doing alterations. We had about one and a half weeks to work on each show(with the exception of Into the Woods which got a full 2 and a few days) so it was a gauntlet each time.
Sister Act
For Sister Act almost all the old nun costumes were damaged beyond repair or missing I had to pattern and cut 12 nun costumes. I made 3 different sizes based on a size chart created from the actors measurement pool. All parts of the nun costume had to be re created with the exception of the Veils, Rosaries, and Belts that survived the previous production. Each Nun had one base black Tunic, 3 different scapulars (the long piece that fits like a sandwich board), a wimple, a coif, and a crown band made. With the exception of mother superior who only needed two new scapulars. In addition the finale dress for the leading lady was made to match the finale scapulars. I made all the crown bands myself since I was the only member on the team with millinery experience.
Into the Woods
Into the Woods was the only show with a full 2 week and a few days build. This show was built, pulled and rented as necessary to support its large cast of characters. The costumes that were built were all of the peasant characters, the Witches outfits, and the Evil Step Trio. Patterning involved a lot of 1820s France inspirations, as well as Renaissance touches. Highly textured fabrics were used for the peasants, and light weight and sheer fabrics for the upper class.
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Nice Work If You Can Get it was a fun 1920's jute box Musical featuring Gershwin's best. This show contained lots of ensemble sets. The Rainbow flappers below were my favorite, and are best viewed in motion in the promo trailer. Also in the promo trailer are the Sweet and Low Down Kitty Cat Dancers who were an ambitious build. Third- the time period lavender slips and last the finale trumpet dresses. All patterned, cut and sewn for this production.
|
|
|
