Costume Designer for AAU production: In The Heights

About the production: 'In the Heights' is a vibrant, Tony Award-winning musical created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The play is set in the largely Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City, over the course of three sweltering summer days. It tells the story of Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of a better life, and the close-knit community around him, each character grappling with their own dreams and challenges.

Costume designing for the senior year production of 'In the Heights' was an invigorating experience that allowed me to showcase my creative prowess among my peers. Being the lead costume designer for this play presented a unique challenge - ensuring that I was both working with my fellow students as a peer and being respected for the role I was playing in the production. The process of creating character designs was an enjoyable journey. Script analysis and profound conversations with the director guided my understanding of each character's personality and their individual costume requirements. The excitement lay in transforming these ideas into tangible designs that perfectly embodied each character's unique identity.

The execution phase was a test of resourcefulness and ingenuity, especially considering the constraints of a limited budget and a large cast of over 20 actors. Sourcing the costumes involved a mix of pulling clothing from existing resources and strategically buying pieces from thrift stores and retail outlets. Each garment was then carefully altered to fit each actor, with fittings playing a critical role in ensuring the final look and comfort. The success of the costumes was significantly influenced by the lighting conditions, making collaboration with the lighting technician crucial. This experience underscored the importance of teamwork in a production setting - with each person playing a pivotal role, it was the collective effort that made the play a success. The 'In the Heights' production served as a valuable lesson, reminding me that in the realm of theater, every role is integral and it is only through seamless collaboration that remarkable results can be achieved.