For my EDGE project, I costume designed for an independent 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.

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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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When I started this project, I was already cast as one of the characters/performers in the show. So I approached the directors and asked if it would be alright to sort of jump on the directing table and take charge of costuming. They were thrilled with the idea and I immediately started researching the clothing of the time. I met several times with the directors to discuss what their ideas were and what they were hoping for before I created a design presentation. I created a look for each character that was being portrayed and the search for each piece began.

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In the end we didn’t have enough time between scenes for each of the actors to change for every character they were playing. So the directors and I decided to have one major look for each act of the show. Then, we could layer things like cardigans, vests and jackets when the actor changed characters.

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.

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I believe that I successfully completed my project and reached my goals. Costume designing for this show really did prove to me that I have a creative eye and passion for the world of theatre, not just performing. Because of this project, as wells as the skills and talents I displayed in my costume construction class, I have been heavily complimented by my costume professors and have been told that I have a standing job in the SUU costume shop if I ever want it. And trust me, as soon as I have a little more free time I will be accepting that offer.

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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. I was able to use skills that I had learned from my professors and design classes to alter and modify costume pieces as well as envision how each piece would look together with the complete costume of each character.

            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.

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When I first learned that SUU required its’ students to participate in the EDGE program and design and complete an extracurricular project I was frustrated. As a Musical Theatre BFA Performance Major I felt that I met these requirements every semester because of all the shows and productions and events I was involved in. So, admittedly, it took me a while to find inspiration for a project.

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Looking back, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and the experience it provided. I was able to learn and use some very valuable skills like communicating with directors; creating and following a directors concept; using my creative eye to piece together articles of clothing; clothing modification skills and many more. It was an incredible experience that I am happy to have in my tool box.

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I believe it is for these reasons that SUU has a program such as the EDGE program. The whole point is to give students an “edge” above the rest of the world. It is their to push students to understand how to market themselves to potential employers and job markets. The EDGE program is designed to help students more securely plan and prepare for their future by helping them create a project they are passionate about and then learn how to talk about, share and market the lessons that they have learned in the process. What an incredible program to be a part of.