panache

The construction of all three shows I am working on is underway. With the exception of just a couple of garments, all the purchasing is done. Although I seem to be on top of things, the thought of fitting the three building schedules together puts me into a bit of a thought panic.
Tonight, I organized all items according to show and then actor, washed all fabric that needs to be painted, dyed or sewn and cut out all patterns. Before I go to bed I will cut out the fabric for one shirt and set things up to start printing tomorrow. My goal for tomorrow is to get the shirt sewn together, plus cut out a dress and apron. Sunday, I will print and sew together specialty underwear. That leaves Monday to sew the dress and apron. Wish me luck.
Attached to this post are my renderings for Panache being produced by the Williamston Theatre Project, Williamston, MI.

work, work, work

The last two weeks have been a challenge. Each day, I get up check my list of things needing to be done that day and start drawing, shopping, organizing, going to meetings and end the day with drawing. I am designing costumes for two shows (Bleeding Red and Panache) and doing a set design for another (Guys & Dolls). It's a great deal of work, very little sleep and stressful but I am enjoying it very much. Last night, I worked an all-nighter not going to bed until I had completed my rendering for Guys and Dolls.
It was 7a when I sent my final product to the director and executive director. Fortunately, they both love the design. I started with the set layout they had used for Evita and, since there is very little time to build, money to build with and the director loves Evita's layout, I stripped the old set and refurbished it. I added archways, doors, a cutout of the 1940's NYC skyline, etc.
Before the rendering was finished, a black and white line drawing was sent to the director & executive director. It's very difficult to illustrate my ideas with only this type of drawing but it is a good start to communicate the physical structure and see if it meets the director's blocking needs. Once this is approved, I color and add details to flesh out the design. Tomorrow, I meet with the technical director to talk about what needs to be done and all the intricacies of the set.