do a mock-up fitting, which means we sew the costume out of muslin so that we can make adjustments. Once that is done, the staff draper corrects the patterns and then the costume is cut and sewn out of the real fabric material. During this time, I am also pulling and buying other costume pieces and accessories.” Q: What’s the most challenging, unusual or memorable costume you’ve ever made? A: “The most unusual costume I have ever designed was Fruma-Sarah in “Fiddler on the Roof.” She appears in this dream sequence during the show, and she is usually depicted as a ghost. However, in our production, we wanted to do something completely different. We ended up dressing her as a giant Russian nesting doll and she was put on a platform that wheeled out onstage.” Q: What’s one costume you’ve created that you’re especially proud of? A: “I think the costume I’m most proud of is probably the engagement dress for Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.” I had a clear idea of what I wanted it to look like and to achieve that I had to dye the fabric myself. It took about two days of being outside dipping different yards of silk fabric into eight different dye pots in various shades of pinks, purples and yellows to create this unique “sunset” effect. To make it better, the costume is revealed in a quick change onstage, so it really had a kind of theatre magic moment for audience members.” Next time you have the privilege of attending a local theatre, be sure to take note of the various costumes and appreciate the creativity that made each outfit truly come to life. THE STORY Behind a Costume BY KATIE FINCH Long before the curtain opens, work begins to bring a production to life. The script, the set, the actors, the costumes; all working together like a creative puzzle to present the audience with a captivating show. Charleston Stage is the largest performing arts theatre in South Carolina, and we are pulling back the curtains to unveil the art of costume design. We interviewed Hayley O’Brien, associate costume designer and costume coordinator at Charleston Stage, to reveal the story behind the wardrobes. Q: What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about costume design for local theater? A: “I think most people would be surprised by how many costumes we build for each show. Most of the costumes for our shows, especially for main characters, are built from scratch. From the patterning to the sewing, to picking out all the fabric, trim and closures – that is done by the costume shop at Charleston Stage.” Q: Walk us through the journey of creating a costume. A: “Creating a costume for the stage is quite the process. When I am the costume designer for a show, I start by reading the script and taking basic notes. (Then) I do research for a character and select certain silhouettes and styles that I think are appropriate for that character. I draw preliminary sketches and present them to the team. I also search for fabrics and any decorations that I think are interesting. The design then moves into construction in the costume shop. During this period, I work directly with the staff draper, who drapes and patterns the costume. Then we 29 WWW.CHARLESTONWOMENPODCAST.COM | WWW.READCW.COM | WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/CHARLESTONWOMEN Elle Woods, Legally Blonde 2 Fruma-Sarah in “Fiddler on the Roof" Elle Woods Legally Blonde Fabric Dyeing ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT Photos Provided
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