For my EDGE project, I costume designed for an independent and Student-led production of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. This musical was performed as a concert version; meaning that some of the scenes and music had been cut out of the final performance. However, the need for costumes was still relevant. Costume designing entails hours of research, meetings, and creative thinking. I was in charge of designing a cohesive costume for every actor and character involved in this production. It was my responsibility to ensure that all the costumes were historically accurate to the time period and style that the director had chosen. While every show carries its’ own challenges, Merrily We Roll Along was especially challenging because this show tells a story that spans across approximately twenty years. Another challenge I faced was only having access to the clothes of the actors and people that they knew. Because of my limited resources, I had to work extra hard to find ways that personal items could be altered and modified to mimic the fashion trends of the late 50’s through the mid 70’s.

When I started this project I was unprepared for the time and energy it would take to not only create a design, but to then find and piece together clothing items. In the end, the director and I decided that it would better serve the space we were performing in and the production itself if each actor only had 2 costumes (one for each Act of the show). We were then able to layer on props and small accessories when an actor changed character.

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My inspiration for this project came about during my Junior year while taking a costume construction class. I learned how to build certain costume pieces but was also exposed to the skills that are used by costume designers. I had also had the opportunity to work on several wardrobe crews for productions at SUU. This meant that I got to help organize costumes; listen to the ideas, research and inspiration for costume concepts and designs; and perform minor modifications to specific pieces. Because of this exposure I decided that I wanted to develop those skills for myself.

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My goal with this project was to successfully costume design this show, so that I would know whether or not I have the skills required to continue forward in costuming. My desired outcomes consisted of two parts. First, that completing my project would result in my being able to market myself as a beginning costume designer. Second, that completing my project would enable me to hopefully be able to work with SUU’s head costume designers and continue developing my skills and knowledge of costuming.

The reason I chose this particular project was because it helped me to gain, and strengthen, marketable skills that I will be able to use in my field after I graduate. While I hope that I will be able to act and perform all throughout my life, I understand that that will not always be the case. As a result, when I am not performing, I still want to be able to work in the theatre department. By completing this project, I will be able to apply for costuming positions and continue working in the field that I love as a well rounded actress.