To begin with, I knew that Bruce (the director) would not have the stereotypical vision of GODSPELL for his production. I knew there would be something different. For example, Jesus would not be wearing clown pants with a superman t-shirt. Bruce envisioned homeless men and women gathering under the Ben Franklin Bridge. Our costumes are different compared with other musicals because the design is very loose. There are no hard lines drawn for what each character should look like on stage. On the first day of rehearsal, we handed each actor a duffle bag filled with an assortment of clothing and accessories. We gave the actors the creative license to put together their own costumes. Of course, this happens under my supervision. We included all sorts of items like ropes, bungee cords, blankets. We are even making tap shoes out of soda cans.

Yes, exactly. Also, since the actors are playing their own instruments, we are adding different pockets and holsters on the costumes so that the actors can store their flute, harmonica, etc.

Initially, I read the play two or three times. The first time I read it for costume implications. Costume implications are usually noted in the stage directions. The playwright distinguishes certain colors in the dress or an accessory that is essential to a character. The second time is to recognize character type things like if the character is bashful or brazen. Then, I meet with the director. I discover their concept for the show or what their take is on the show. Third, I research the time period through pictures, videos, and magazines. Next, I would do a drawing, which I don’t normally do. It is a bit of a last resort. At that time, we put materials on the form and take pictures of it. We then have fittings for the actors. We add accessories as rehearsals start and do last minute adjustments before opening night. My job is done as the designer after opening night. “Show’s froze."

After opening night, I leave the project and it gets turned over to the wardrobe supervisor. However, if an artistic change is needed after opening night, it has to be approved by the artistic director. During Beauty and the Beast, the plate dancers wore an actual plate costume. Unfortunately, before opening night, it was not evident that the plates were knocking the actors’ wigs down to the middle of their foreheads. So to prevent any further mishaps, we needed to get approval to add mop caps around their wigs. Our request was approved! Also, I am the shop manager, so if something needs to be reworked, like if an understudy has to take over a role. I would step back in to help.