Week Two

Once I had my designs approved, I immediately dived into finding clothing items that matched my sketches.  The concept for the costumes is unraveling and taking off layers.  The characters enter wearing coats, jackets, scarves, purses; the things of their earthly world that represents them.  Costumes reveals the way a character expresses their personality.  Now, they're in hell together and the comforting fashions of the old world will fade away.  The script mentions the room is hot and my job is to give them articles of clothing that they can play with to show the heat in the room.  The concept of unraveling comes into play as these characters start to unnerve one another.  They'll start to come undone.  Layers are shed, sleeves are rolled up, shirts are untucked, and hair is messed up as they deal with the heat and each other.  The shedding of layers becomes a symbol revealing ones true self.  The characters disclose the deeds they've done on earth to land them in hell and in the end reveal the torture of human nature.  

Estelle

 For Estelle, I'm going for a sophisticated and feminine style.  She'll enter with a head scarf, gloves, coat, and hair up in a elegant chignon.  As the play progresses, she sheds these things to reveal a modest, expensive dress, pearl earrings and necklace.  At one point, she begins to take off her dress as well.  Her hair becomes unkept and although she took pride in her appearance through her makeup maintenance, she eventually allows those habits to fade as well as she gets enveloped in dealing with the other two characters.

Inez

 Inez is my favorite character because she is the most self-assured and has the deepest awareness of the situations she faces.  Her monologues are profound because she understands the human psyche  and uses it to her advantage.  She knows how to take care of herself.  I want her to look strong, androgynous, and stylish.  She was a postal clerk on earth so she should wear the business attire of the office, but look lower status than Estelle.  She'll end with a clutch and suit jacket.  She'll shed the jacket, untie or unbutton her shirt top, and kick off her heels.  She'll have a watch to remove at some point when she realizes time is irrelevant.

Garcin

Garcin is a coward, but he dresses to not show it.  As a journalist, Garcin kept up with the style of the men that fill the newspaper room, one of the rooms that haunts him in hell.  He cares about what those men think of him even in the afterlife.  Since he looks to others for his self-worth, he must care about his appearance by maintaining a stylish suit.  He may or may not have a fedora.

As I started my search, I quickly discovered what I had expected to happen: finding clothes without a budget is difficult.  First, I had the actors bring in clothes from their own closets to rehearsal.  From that pile, I completed Garcin's look except for shoes and a hat.  I realized he should have a watch, too.  We found a coat for Estelle and two pairs of shoes for both female characters.  Then, I took measurements of the actors, asked how much they were willing to spend on their costume and went from there.  I looked at all the local thrifts stores in the area I was staying and the thrift stores near my hometown as well.  One of the problems with thrifting is that I end up shopping for myself too. :P  However, while resisting personal bargain hunting, I still only found one pair of pants in a whole day’s worth of shopping (3 hours).  One day wasn't enough to get me down so I searched for four more days.  While I don't have the budget to make any clothes, one of the actors has offered to teach me some sewing skills to help me for future costuming projects. :D

On June 20-21, I helped out at Honest Theatre’s gig at Custer Fair.  Custer Fair is located in Evanston, Illinois, and is an arts fair that covers several streets with art and food vendors.  Several arenas are set up with musical guests as well.  It was fun to explore on my break.  For two days, the company performed, “Roarin’ Dan!” by Ashley Manning-O’Dell, a children’s half-hour pirate show.  We had three shows a day on the depot stage at the Piccolo Theatre.  I was stationed in the lobby each day to collect donations from exiting guests and ran errands for the company when they forgot a couple things.

On Sunday night that weekend, I attended a leadership meeting where the company discussed budget costs and other new business.  I learned how hard it is to start a theatre company.

Week 1: Getting started

Well, I’m on a new journey in Chicago this summer. I have an internship with Honest Theatre Company.  They are based in Rogers Park and the summer production is No Exit, an existential classic by French playwright and philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre.  I know the script well and I love it!

My first day consisted of walking the streets near the performance location, Profiles Theatre.  I met up with Sharon, the wife of the Artistic Director, and we asked local businesses to hang our production posters in their windows or on their community boards.  Despite it getting a little cold, misty and windy, it was fun getting to know Sharon and a bit more about the company.  I was really excited to work with them.

Next, I met with my supervisor, Kelly and Sean, the Artistic Director, about my tasks for the summer.  I will be designing costumes, hair and makeup for the production, house manager during performances, and organizing a fundraiser to help fund the show.  I know I’ll be challenged with planning and organizing my time with planning an event--something I have no experience in--but I’m ready to take on a challenge.  I’m also going to learn other technical elements such as hanging lights.  

On June 8th, I sold tickets for the Geek Bar fundraiser.  Honest Theatre was hosting Monday Melee which also included a raffle and a Cosplay competition.  It was super cool success.  I met more company members and watched some intense Smash bros.

One of the winners of the Cosplay competition- she won a badge to Gen Con

On the left is the Melee tournament and on the right, I'm manning the raffle booth

The very next night, we had our first rehearsal and production meeting at director Whitney’s apartment.  The story of No Exit follows three characters: Garcin, Inez, and Estelle as they are put in a room with three benches by a bellboy.  They are told they are in hell and realize it’s quite normal; there isn’t the expected torture, fire and brimstone.  It is rather hot in the room, but that’s about it.  As they continue sitting on their respected benches, they realize that events must turn miserable eventually and understand that the three of them are meant to be the torturer for each other.  They realize Sartre’s statement that “hell is other people.”

In the production meeting, I found out the vision for the show.  There’s no time period, but Whitney wanted a modern twist on the 1940's.  We talked about each character and the kind of look she needs them to have.  She likes minimalist looks that range in boldness to softness depending on the character.

A glimpse at my costume design pin board. Go pinterest!

Maddie, the stage manager, and I at our first meeting!

That’s all I have for right now!  For the rest of the week, I’m researching my fundraiser, costume and hair designs and cute places to visit in Chicago--like doughnut shops and other fattening restaurants--while relaxing at my friend’s house (shout out to Kaitlyn and her family)!