The magic of theatre often lies in the details, and one aspect that truly brings a production to life is the art of costuming. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the incredible work done by First Year Players (FYP), a theatre organization with a unique twist. FYP's dedication to crafting immersive costumes is a story that deserves to be told.
FYP stands out as the oldest theatre group on Grounds, with a special focus on giving first-year and transfer students a chance to shine on stage. While the cast is limited to underclassmen, the behind-the-scenes crew is a diverse mix of students of all ages, each bringing their own skills to the table. From directing to stage managing, and of course, the crucial role of costuming, FYP's productions are a true collaborative effort.
But here's where it gets interesting: the costuming process is often an unseen masterpiece. Lillianne McMinn, FYP's spring costume head and a third-year College student, learned to sew during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she's passing on her skills to new crew members, teaching them the basics of costume creation, from sewing patches to resizing clothing. McMinn's approach is practical yet imaginative, utilizing velcro and zippers to ensure quick and seamless costume changes.
"The magic of theatre is all about creating an illusion. As long as the costumes look good from the audience's perspective, that's what matters. We've had our fair share of dress malfunctions, but that's all part of the show!" McMinn shared with a laugh.
One of FYP's most impressive showcases was their fall semester production of "Anastasia," a musical set in 1920s Russia. Layne Parker, a third-year College student, led the costuming for this period piece, ensuring historical accuracy to immerse the audience in the era. Parker explained that for historical plays like "Anastasia" or their upcoming "Tuck Everlasting," research is key. The costume team delved into the fashions of Imperial Russia and the early 20th century to create authentic looks.
And this is the part most people miss: the attention to detail that goes into every stitch and accessory. Take Anastasia's iconic red dress, for example. The FYP costuming team transformed a first-year student's prom dress into a statement piece, adding intricate golden appliques, long white gloves, jewelry, and a tiara. It's these little touches that elevate a costume from ordinary to extraordinary.
But it's not just about the visual appeal. The FYP costume heads also use color symbolism to enhance the storytelling. In their production of "Guys and Dolls," the character of Adelaide was given the signature color pink, representing her journey towards self-empowerment. By the end of the play, when Adelaide finally realizes her independence, she's dressed in blue, a color chosen to symbolize her victory over the patriarchal system.
For "Anastasia," Parker focused on creating a color palette that complemented the lead couple's evolving relationship. And for "Tuck Everlasting," a play exploring immortality and being stuck in time, the costume heads plan to use muted colors like greens and browns to reflect the theme.
"It's all about enhancing the concept and theme of the production. Just like crafting an argument in an essay, every element, including the costumes, should support that vision. For me, costumes are a powerful tool to bring the theme to life and connect it to the characters and the text," Parker explained.
With a combination of resourcefulness, research, and an eye for detail, FYP's crew creates stunning costumes each semester. Their upcoming production of "Tuck Everlasting" will run from April 16-19 at the Student Activities Building. Tickets will be available for purchase on FYP's website (https://www.firstyearplayers.org/tuck-everlasting).
So, what do you think? Do you find the art of costuming as fascinating as we do? Share your thoughts and experiences with theatre productions in the comments below!
