My latest and last project for the high school was Seussical the Musical. Not my favorite show but turned out to be our most popular. I incorporated a full size trampoline, slide and foam block gymnastics pit into the set, as well as a swing and Tarzan rope. It was a fun stage to play on.

 The Wickersham Brothers became sock monkeys. I needed to make sure the costumes could handle the athletics of the show and set. Vintage style T's gave them the hipster vibe I used as an overall theme.

 Mayor and Mrs. Who. For the Who's I used over sized buttons and bows on all costumes. Keeping them in a limited color palette also helped separate them from the rest of the cast. Having worked on the The Grinch National Tour previously, I didn't want to copy those designs but also stay within the Seuss world.

 More Poppins Dolls. I designed 21 different characters.

Jim O'Heir from Parks and Rec came to KC for a production of "You Can't Take it with You" I created his work shop apron and it's "blown up" double.

 In "Mary Poppins" Jane and Micheal abuse their toys. The Toys come to life and put them on trial. It's an intense number. Here is "Valentine" as a doll prop and the finished costume.

The Frog Prince from the Scary Toys number in "Mary Poppins"

 On of my favorite projects this year came after I was hired to be Wardrobe Supervisor for "Mary Poppins" at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City. The Costumes were provided by KC Costume Co. After the show closed KCCC asked me to stay on with them to design the "Scary Toys", a number in "Mary Poppins" cut from the Starlight Production. Here is the "Scottish Doll with a Broken Arm"

 The "Country Rag Doll" and "Calico Kitty" and the "Sailor Boy" were all created for the tour package. I designed, pulled fabric, cut, draped and over saw construction on this number. It was nice to have the freedom to design from scratch. The only limitations were the specific character names.

In the Spring of 2015, I worked as a stitcher for The Opera Theatre of St. Louis. These are a few of my construction projects for "Emmeline" and "La Rondine"

For a regional production of "Into the Woods" Grandma and the Wolf needed to be made before the Rental package arrived for publicity photos. The Wolf isn't wearing his eye make up under the mask for this.

 "Return to the Forbidden Planet". Jumpsuits were hazmat suits with duct tape. Durable, cheap and I think turned out pretty cute.

Costuming High School shows present several challenges. Budget being a major issue. Also the number of actors to dress can be huge.

 "South Pacific" costumes are largely dictated by history. Some liberties must be taken of course.

One of my favorite ongoing projects has been working with a local high school as their Technical Director. I design sets and costumes as well as working with students to build the shows.(Click on the Photo for full View)

For "South Pacific" I rented a back drop and used the style to design the set pieces.

"Return to the Forbidden Planet" is a great show. Fun to design with terrific 60s pop songs. I highly recommend other schools giving it a try.

 "George Washington Slept Here" required a very large farm house set that "evolves" during the show. A couple buy a dilapidated house, fix it up and trash it in the final Act. Break away windows and banisters, shelving rigged to collapse. This one was tough. 

It's time to update. I've neglected this site for far too long. Largely because I've been working so much. It's a good excuse.

Stripes are on.

Finally finished painting the stripes, not cleaned up but they are at least in place. Still much work to do, She has been sitting on the easel for months.
 This is the piece I took to Art Walk to paint while standing there not selling much. One of the other "artists" actually asked me why I didn't just use a Sharpie. I doubt I do Art Walk next season.

My time at the Kansas City Costume Company

A view into the shop, at that time there were different productions being put together going all over the country.

Stylized Chefs hats for the "Whos"

 I first started working at Kansas City Costume Company about ten years ago as a stitcher. I was the rental manager for a few years before I decided to head to L.A. to try t.v. and film. I enjoyed my time in K.C. and have maintained a good working relationship with the company, returning with projects of my own or in the case of the Grinch, helping when they need it.

I made 2 of these Grinch Santa jackets, one "mean"version with fake fur trim and another glitter and feather version when he gets a heart.

Each of the "Who" boys has a detachable tail. I made six different tails.

The direction for each was "like an elaborate Christmas Bow"