Unveiling the Art of First-Year Players' Costume Design: A Behind-the-Scenes Look
The Curtain Rises: Unlocking Theatre's Hidden Magic
As the lights dim and the curtains fall, the stage transforms into a world of wonder, captivating audiences for hours. But amidst the spectacle, one crucial element often goes unnoticed: the costumes. While the final result graces the stage, the intricate process behind each costume remains hidden from view. For the First Year Players (FYP), a unique theatre organization at the University, this behind-the-scenes aspect doesn't diminish the care and creativity poured into their costume design.
FYP stands out as the oldest theatre group on campus, casting only first-year and transfer students in their semesterly productions. This exclusive approach doesn't hinder their capabilities; instead, it fosters a diverse behind-the-scenes crew, comprising students of all ages, from directing to stage managing to costuming. Among them is Lillianne McMinn, FYP's spring costume head and a third-year College student, who discovered her passion for sewing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she imparts her skills to new crew members, teaching them the basics of costume creation, from sewing patches to resizing clothing. McMinn's expertise lies in finding the balance between practicality and spectacle, ensuring costumes not only look good from the audience's perspective but also function seamlessly on stage.
The Art of Theatre Magic: Practicality Meets Spectacle
'[Costumes for theatre] don't have to look super good, as long as they look good from an audience perspective,' McMinn explains. 'We've put a lot of people on a stage with a dress that doesn't zip... Theatre magic is hiding all of that. That is the objective.' This philosophy is evident in FYP's approach to costuming, where functionality takes precedence over perfection. For instance, McMinn employs tricks like using Velcro for shirts and zippers to facilitate quick costume changes, ensuring the show goes on without compromising the magic of the performance.
'Anastasia': A Showcase of Historical Costuming
Third-year College student Layne Parker played a pivotal role in leading the costuming for FYP's fall semester production of 'Anastasia', a musical set in 1920s Russia. According to Parker, historical accuracy was paramount in bringing the story to life. 'Anastasia' demanded a meticulous attention to detail, and the production team delivered one of FYP's most impressive showcases of costuming. Parker emphasizes the importance of historical research and context in plays set in specific eras, such as 'Anastasia' and this semester's 'Tuck Everlasting'.
Katie Chambers, costume head for 'Anastasia' and a third-year College student, delved into the Imperial Russian fashion of the Romanov family, the central dynastic clan in the musical. She discovered that their outfits, while grand, were not representative of the time but rather a display of strength and wealth. Chambers' research, combined with the Broadway production's costumes, guided her in creating historically and culturally accurate designs for FYP.
The Iconic Red Dress: A Statement of Identity
One of the most iconic costumes in 'Anastasia' was the red dress, originally Caroline Brewer's prom dress. The FYP costuming team transformed it with intricate golden appliques and long white gloves, jewelry, and a tiara, adding a touch of early 20th-century glamour. The other dress, inspired by the film's royal blue gown, was altered with pearl linings and diamonds, paired with a pearl necklace, silver tiara, and white gloves, creating a regal look.
Parker highlights the importance of accessories in enhancing costumes. 'I've learned from costuming a show that the accents or the accessories are the biggest part of it,' she says. 'The red dress wouldn't have been anything without the jewelry and the tiara, or the gloves she's wearing. You have to have the accessories, otherwise, she's just wearing a dress.'
Color Symbolism: Unspoken Themes and Messages
FYP costume heads often infuse their designs with color symbolism, subtly conveying themes and messages to the audience. In the fall 2024 production of 'Guys and Dolls', one of the primary characters, Adelaide, was dressed in pink throughout the play. By the end, her journey towards self-empowerment was symbolized by a blue ensemble, signifying her victory over the patriarchal system. This subtle use of color adds depth and meaning to the performances.
'Tuck Everlasting': Muted Elegance in a Timeless Tale
For 'Tuck Everlasting', dealing with immortality and time, the costume heads plan to use more muted colors, such as greens and browns, to create a timeless and ethereal atmosphere. Parker emphasizes the importance of cohesion in production, where every element, from costumes to technical aspects, should enhance the overall concept. 'In theory, what you want is for every single [part of the production] to enhance your concept. In my head, it's like making an argument for an essay... All of the tech elements need to support that same theme,' she says.
Behind the Scenes: A Creative Journey
FYP's costume crew, with their scrappy resourcefulness, careful research, and attention to detail, crafts innovative and aesthetically pleasing costumes each semester. 'Tuck Everlasting' will be showcased this spring from April 16-19 at the Student Activities Building. Tickets will be available closer to the show on FYP's website (https://www.firstyearplayers.org/tuck-everlasting).
So, the next time the curtains rise, take a moment to appreciate the hidden magic behind the costumes. FYP's dedication to their craft ensures that every performance is not just a story told on stage but a journey of creativity and precision.
