Ever wondered what goes into the stunning costumes you see on stage? It’s not just about fabric and thread—it’s a blend of history, creativity, and sheer determination. While the audience marvels at the performances, the magic of costuming often remains hidden in the shadows. But here’s where it gets fascinating: for groups like First Year Players (FYP), the oldest theater organization at the University, this behind-the-scenes work is anything but ordinary. Let’s pull back the curtain and explore how these students bring characters to life through their costumes.
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 inexperience fool you—behind the scenes, students of all ages work tirelessly on technical roles, from directing to costuming. And this is the part most people miss: the costumes are not just thrown together; they’re meticulously researched, crafted, and tailored to tell a story.
Take Lillianne McMinn, FYP’s spring costume head and a third-year student, for example. She learned to sew during the COVID-19 pandemic and now teaches new crew members essential skills like patching jackets or resizing clothing. Her secret weapon? Velcro and zippers for quick changes that keep the show running smoothly. ‘Costumes don’t have to be perfect,’ McMinn explains, ‘as long as they look good from the audience’s perspective. Theatre magic is about hiding the flaws—that’s the real objective.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: How much historical accuracy is too much? For period pieces like FYP’s fall production of Anastasia, set in 1920s Russia, the costuming team dove deep into research. Layne Parker, who helped lead the costuming, emphasizes that historical accuracy is key to immersion. Yet, they discovered that the Romanov family’s outfits weren’t just about fashion—they were symbols of power and wealth. This led to a debate: Should costumes reflect the era’s trends or the characters’ intentions? Katie Chambers, costume head for Anastasia, studied both the family’s history and Broadway’s interpretations to strike a balance.
One standout piece? Anastasia’s iconic red dress, originally a prom dress donated by a first-year student. The team transformed it with golden appliques, long white gloves, jewelry, and a tiara. Another dress, inspired by the film’s royal blue gown, was altered with pearl linings and diamonds. ‘The accessories make the costume,’ Parker notes. ‘Without them, it’s just a dress.’
And this is the part most people miss: FYP sources costumes from everywhere—personal closets, thrift shops, Amazon, and even their storage shed. They also use color symbolism to enhance storytelling. In Guys and Dolls, Adelaide’s shift 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. In Tuck Everlasting, muted greens and browns reflect the theme of timelessness.
‘Costumes are like the argument in an essay,’ Parker explains. ‘Every element should support the theme.’ But here’s a thought-provoking question: Does focusing too much on symbolism distract from the character’s performance? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
With scrappy resourcefulness, meticulous research, and an eye for detail, FYP’s crew creates costumes that are both innovative and visually stunning. Their spring production of Tuck Everlasting runs from April 16-19 at the Student Activities Building. Tickets will be available soon on their website (https://www.firstyearplayers.org/tuck-everlasting). So, next time you watch a play, remember: there’s a whole world of creativity behind every stitch and sequin.
