Everything here was designed by the credited designer. My part is the draping, cutting, construction, millinery or crafts named on each piece: the work that turns a rendering into a garment an actor can perform in.
Patterns and build plans for every garment assigned to my team, developed from renderings and fittings with the designer. At Arena Stage as Draper (Washington, D.C.) and at Olney Theatre Center as the sole Cutter/Draper (Olney, MD), where I patterned and cut every build and guided apprentices through construction.
Jaja's African Hair BraidingDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Dede Ayite · Performer: Victoire Charles · Photo: T. Charles EricksonJaja's African Hair BraidingDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Dede Ayite · Performer: Victoire Charles · Photo: T. Charles EricksonUnknown SoldierDraper · Arena StageEmbroidered linen dress on the formDesigner: Jacob A. ClimerUnknown SoldierDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Jacob A. ClimerExclusionDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Sarah CubbagePOTUSDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Ivania StackPOTUSDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Ivania StackRide the CycloneDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Trevor BowenThe High GroundDraper · Arena StageDesigner: Sarita FellowsHedwig and the Angry InchCutter/Draper · Olney Theatre CenterTakeout bag dressDesigner: Jacob A. ClimerBeauty and the BeastCutter/Draper · Olney Theatre CenterDesigner: Ivania StackBeauty and the BeastCutter/Draper · Olney Theatre CenterDesigner: Ivania Stack
02 · First Hand
First Hand
Cutting the draper's patterns, stitching, relaying notes to stitchers and attending fittings and dress rehearsals. At Washington National Opera (2018 to 2020) across multiple operas on tight deadlines, and earlier at Boston University and Barter Theatre.
ToscaFirst Hand · Washington National Opera, 2018/19 seasonDesigner: Lena Rivkina · Draper: Bill NelsonSamson and DelilahFirst Hand · Washington National Opera, 2019/20 seasonDesigner: Timm Burrow · Draper: Bill NelsonIn the Next RoomFirst Hand · Boston University, Fall 2014Designer: Haley Zimmerman · Draper: Callan BideauIn the Next RoomFirst Hand · Boston University, Fall 2014Designer: Haley Zimmerman · Draper: Callan BideauKiss Me, Kate!First Hand · Barter Theatre, 2013Designer: Court WatsonLes MisérablesFirst Hand · Barter Theatre, 2013ChorusDesigner: Amanda AldridgeA Streetcar Named DesireFirst Hand · Barter Theatre, 2013Designer: Adrienne Webber
03 · Construction
Built to Move
Stitching and building as draper, first hand and stitcher: 16th-century menswear for a Renaissance faire acting company, and period tailoring for regional theatre.
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire 2014Stitcher · Zeno EntertainmentEmbroidered doublet and capeDesigner: Lily Steiner · Performer: Nathaniel BarberPennsylvania Renaissance Faire 2014Stitcher · Zeno EntertainmentDesigner: Lily Steiner · Performer: Joe PennPennsylvania Renaissance Faire 2014Stitcher · Zeno EntertainmentDesigner: Lily Steiner · Performer: Todd SmithPennsylvania Renaissance Faire 2016Draper · Zeno EntertainmentDesigner: Lily Steiner · Draper: Jessi Alice Eichberger · Performer: Troy ButlerPeter PanWardrobe Supervisor · Northern Stage, 2012Captain Hook's jacketDesigner: Sarah Cubbage · Performer: Bill EvansSleuthWardrobe Supervisor · Northern Stage, 2012Quilted smoking jacket, detailDesigner: Tim Mackabee · Performer: Bill Evans · Photo: Oscar Blustin
04 · Millinery and Wigs
Hats, Hair and Faces
Blocked and buckram millinery, wig styling and maintenance, and running prosthetics and effects through performance.
Far AwayMilliner · University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyOversized brocade bow headpieceDesigner: Isabelle TabetGarrison CapMillinerPhoto: Denise Wallace-SpriggsEdwardian HatMillinerBuckram, silk dupioni, velvet trimPhoto: Denise Wallace-SpriggsCardinal Wolsey's BirettaMilliner · Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, 2014Born YesterdayWig styling · Northern Stage, 2012Designer: Amy Pedigo-Otto · Performer: Emily StockdalePeter PanWardrobe Supervisor · Northern StageLost Boys animal hatsDesigner: Sarah CubbageSleuthWardrobe Supervisor · Northern Stage, 2012False nose and moustache applied at intermissionDesigner: Tim Mackabee · Photo: Oscar BlustinSleuthWardrobe Supervisor · Northern Stage, 2012Edible blood packets, made in-houseDesigner: Tim Mackabee · Photo: Oscar Blustin
05 · Crafts and Effects
Padding, Props and Paint
Body padding and prosthetics built to be worn for a full outdoor season, painted footwear, and papier-mache props.
Prosthetic BreastsCrafts · Pennsylvania Renaissance FaireBuilt on a harness for a full outdoor seasonDesigner: Lily Steiner · Performer: Angie FennellPainted Kuhmaulschuh ShoesCrafts16th-century "cow mouth" shoes, paintedFat SuitCrafts · Pennsylvania Renaissance FaireOne-inch car foam cut and glued into an egg shape; 75-inch waistlineKomodo Dragon PiñataProps Master · Aloha, Say the Pretty GirlsPapier-mache
06 · MFA Thesis
Draping for the Dynamic Body
MFA thesis, Boston University, 2017. I built body-modification suits for friends of typical size, then draped period garments over their new silhouettes: Richard III, and an 18th-century gown from one of the earliest known styles of maternity wear.
Richard IIIDraper · Boston University, 2017Padded body suit, doublet, breeches and quilted jerkinRichard IIIDraper · Boston University, 2017Quilted jerkin, detailRichard IIIDraper · Boston University, 2017Padded body suit18th-Century Maternity GownDraper · Boston University, 2017Pregnancy belly, corset and panniers under a silk gown18th-Century Maternity GownDraper · Boston University, 2017Side view18th-Century Maternity GownDraper · Boston University, 2017Corset
