We have a lot planned this summer to teach various aspects of COSTUME DESIGN! Here's a post from Jordan Malin, Summer Theatre's costume designer: (To learn more about Jordan and the rest of the Theatre Camp Staff check out our bios on the staff page!) Happy Summer!!! This year's weather has certainly been unpredictable. I'm not sure about you guys, but I have not been able to fully commit to packing away all my fall/winter clothes and fully indulge in the summer wear. Thankfully, the key to fashion is comfort and individuality. So.... why not wear those shorts with a Christmas sweater and flip flops? After all, if one of the Kardashians does it, suddenly it will be accepted, right???? Besides, being the theatre/dance/artists we all are, 80% of our time is spent in costumes, dance-wear or sweats..... So while you can, be creative and express yourself! For the past few months I have had the privilege of working for the Karamu House in downtown Cleveland. The mission of the Karamu House is the strengthen the community through a variety of arts programs with an emphasis on the African American Culture. Basically, it is just like any other Theatre Arts Organization, but they add historical content to performances, to cultural related shows, celebrate past contributors, or do something as simply as adding African drums, costumes and music to a well known story. Simple and creative ways to effectively teach, be artistic and stay relevant. My point to both of these topics is, don't be afraid to think outside the box! Be inspired by others, but don't be defined. Bring your thoughts and ideas to life. Here are two fun exercises you can try if you're feeling artsy and creative. 1. Use your favorite art materials, paints, markers, crayons, pastels...etc. Take a plain white piece of paper or canvas. Without using any words, numbers or symbols express who you are through a colorful design you create. Feel it through the colors you use, the textures, the shapes. Think of things that you love, things that make you sad, things you dream about, things you would to change...all things that trigger emotions. Be free, passionate and celebrate yourself! 2. The second exercise is all about "thinking outside the box." Think of any really well known story, movie or play. Keep the story exactly the same, but change either the setting, time period, or costumes. If you want to draw the costumes and characters, awesome! Same with the houses or set design. If you are more comfortable writing your idea out, go for it! Be creative and make sure it doesn't change the story at all. For example, who says Cinderella can't be dressed in all 80's clothes, or do we really know where Little Miss Muffet was sitting when the spider scared her away? A playground? A disco? The possibilities are endless! Good luck and see you all soon! Jordan SUMMER CAMP STAFF QUIZ Why TrueNorth Summer Theatre? First off, TrueNorth in general is a dream for me because it is a theatre and a nature preserve!!! I love, love animals and the arts! Second, this staff is so hip and "now". It's so important to learn the basics and history of theatre, which you will, but theatre is changing and this staff is young, professional, experienced and current. I look forward to learning from them too! NYC or LA? I've only been to LA once.... And my friends and family are in NYC, sooo.. NYC. What is your favorite thing to do with friends? Games nights! Lots of board games at someone's house and comfy clothes. What is something you've learned from theatre that you use in real life? Singing and dancing cures all. What is the grossest thing you can think of? Hatred What's your favorite musical? Gypsy! Whenever I need inspiration, I YouTube Bernadette Peter's performance of Rose's Turn. Love! Gale or Peeta? I don't know the Hunger Games :( But based on Google images I think that Gale is cuter! (FUN TIP: The 30 actors in the current Networks touring production of Beauty & the Beast wear over 850 costume pieces and 80 wigs! Check out this backstage tour with the director- Rob Roth.)
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