Ever wondered what goes into the stunning costumes you see on stage? It’s not just about making actors look good—it’s about telling a story, evoking emotions, and transporting audiences to another world. While the spotlight shines on the performers, the magic of costuming happens behind the scenes, where creativity, research, and sheer determination come together. But here’s where it gets fascinating: for groups like First Year Players (FYP), the oldest theater organization at the University, costuming is a labor of love that blends practicality with artistry—often in ways you’d never expect.
FYP stands out in the theater world for a unique reason: only first-year and transfer students are cast in their productions, giving underclassmen a rare opportunity to shine on stage. But don’t let their student-focused casting fool you—behind the scenes, students of all ages work tirelessly on everything from directing to stage managing to costuming. And this is the part most people miss: these young creators are crafting costumes that rival those of professional productions, all while balancing academics and college life.
Take Lillianne McMinn, FYP’s spring costume head and a third-year student, for example. She taught herself to sew during the COVID-19 pandemic and now passes that knowledge on to new crew members. From sewing patches onto jackets to resizing clothing, McMinn ensures every costume is both functional and visually striking. ‘Costumes don’t have to be perfect,’ she explains, ‘as long as they look good from the audience’s perspective. Theatre magic is about hiding the flaws—that’s the real objective.’ It’s a reminder that what we see on stage is often the result of clever tricks and quick fixes, like using velcro for speedy changes or zippers that don’t always zip.
But here’s where it gets controversial: how much does historical accuracy matter in theater costuming? For FYP’s fall production of Anastasia, a musical set in 1920s Russia, the team dove deep into research to ensure the costumes were period-appropriate. Layne Parker, who helped lead the costuming, emphasizes that for shows like Anastasia or this semester’s Tuck Everlasting, historical context is key. Katie Chambers, the costume head for Anastasia, even discovered that the Romanov family’s outfits were less about fashion and more about displaying power and wealth—a detail she meticulously incorporated into the designs.
One standout piece? Anastasia’s iconic red dress, originally a first-year student’s prom gown, transformed with golden appliques, long white gloves, jewelry, and a tiara. But is it enough to just have a beautiful dress? Parker argues no: ‘The accents and accessories are the biggest part. Without the tiara, gloves, and jewelry, it’s just a dress.’ This raises a thought-provoking question: How much do the details truly matter in bringing a character to life?
FYP’s resourcefulness doesn’t stop at research. They source costumes from personal closets, thrift shops, Amazon, and even their own storage shed. And they don’t just stop at aesthetics—they use color symbolism to enhance storytelling. In Guys and Dolls, Adelaide’s transition from pink to blue signifies her journey from dependence to empowerment. For Anastasia, the lead couple’s costumes gradually complement each other as their relationship evolves. And in Tuck Everlasting, muted greens and browns reflect the theme of timelessness.
But is costuming just about supporting the story, or can it become a character in its own right? Parker believes it’s the latter: ‘Costumes are the easiest way for the audience to see the theme come alive. They intersect with the characters and the text in a way that’s undeniable.’ Yet, some might argue that costumes risk overshadowing the actors or the script. What do you think? Does costuming enhance theater, or can it become a distraction?
Using a mix of scrappy ingenuity, meticulous research, and attention to detail, FYP’s crew creates costumes that are both innovative and visually stunning. Their upcoming production of Tuck Everlasting runs from April 16-19 at the Student Activities Building, with tickets available on their website (https://www.firstyearplayers.org/tuck-everlasting). So, the next time you watch a play, take a moment to appreciate the unseen work that brings those costumes to life—and maybe even join the debate: How much is too much when it comes to theater costuming?
