Sewing Costumes for the University Theatre
Fresno, Calif. — University Theatre at Fresno State is known for its inspired productions and student performers. But what many do not see is the equally meticulous work that goes into the costumes of every show.
To Jonathan Rodriguez Escamilla, the costumes for a show are an important element. He is a costume designer who has been working at the costume shop for three years.
“I started making clothes and actually designing stuff,” Escamilla said. “And ever since then, I’ve been really interested in designing clothes. Making garments and wearable things. Like headpieces, masks, and designing hair.”
Designing and creating clothes seems to be something that Escamila was born to do.
“It starts off with an idea,” Escamilla said. “You have to figure out what you want to see, what it is telling you. You have to figure out what you wish to tell.”
Kelly Pantzlaff Curry is the costume shop supervisor and ensures an inclusive, creative atmosphere for all who work there.
“Because theatre is a living art, living and breathing, things change often,” Pantzlaff Curry said. “We have to be both meticulous about our planning but also ready to turn on a dime to support what the show actually needs,”
The productions at the University Theatre require the costume shop to enhance its skills in many different ways. Maggie Walker has worked on multiple productions as an assistant in the shop.
“It really depends on a show-to-show basis, “ Walker said. “It’s often time and just trying to do things as efficiently as possible. Make sure that we give ourselves the amount of time that we need.”
Through his contributions to several productions, Jonathan has found a creative outlet to share his passion for theatre.
“I love it here because I get to make mistakes and get feedback on how to correct those mistakes,” Escamilla said. “It’s great having a learning environment where there is an expectation, but you get mentorship on it.”
Jonathan’s costumes are currently onstage in the campus performance show, TYA. After this show, he will tackle Shakespeare in University Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night, which runs from May 1-9.
Tags: Costume Shop, University Theatre, Fresno State Theatre, Fresno State Focus