The aim of this creative project, funded by the grant I received, is to serve as the primary Pattern/Cutter-Draper for the Theatre Department’s costume shop, transforming costume designers’ artistic concepts into precisely fitted, professionally constructed garments for multiple main-stage productions.This work builds directly on traditional theatrical costume practices, in which the pattern maker/draper serves as the essential bridge between the designer’s sketch or vision board and the final wearable garment for the production. For each costume, I begin with the designer’s sketch and vision board, then draft and sew a muslin mockup for the actor’s fitting. After documenting all fit adjustments, I revise the paper pattern. I then cut the garment from the fashion fabric and remain available throughout construction to guide the stitchers in assembly techniques. Throughout the summer, I developed foundational patterning skills that prepared me to serve as cutter/draper for the production of Young Frankenstein. In that show, I patterned the costumes for the character of Elizabeth and the women's chorus members’ dirndl bodices. This spring, for the production of Eurydice, I patterned and cut the two main costumes for the character of Eurydice and additional costume pieces for the stone characters. We have one final spring production—James and the Giant Peach—in which I will complete my grant responsibilities by patterning several costume pieces for onstage use.
