Still searching for last-minute costume inspiration for today’s spooky festivities? Have no fear! We were able to chat with Emma Berry, who is designing the costumes, make-up, and props for our upcoming production of A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol.
Encore: Can you introduce yourself (where you graduated, past theatre experience)?
Emma: I started with theatre as a child and found a passion for it immediately. I acted all through high school, but upon entering college reevaluated my role in the theatre and switched to the technical side of things. There were many changes in my focus along the way, but I graduated from Christopher Newport University in May of 2016 with my BA in theatrical arts and a focus on costume design.
Encore: How have/are you involved with Encore?
Emma: I originally started with Encore as an educational intern two summers ago. I found that I loved the company and all it stood for, and was thrilled when I was invited to join the staff this past summer. I worked as a teaching artist for the Stage Door tech camps. After camp ended, I was invited to stay on to take care of properties for the full season, and costumes for a few of the shows.
Encore: What’s the most complex costume you’ve ever had to create?
Emma: The most complex costume was my senior thesis. My college was putting on a production of Macbeth, set in a post-apocalyptic environment. I was the makeup designer for the entire cast, as well as designer for Lady MacDuff’s costume. While the costume itself wasn’t much out of the ordinary, it required many steps that made it quite a stressful yet rewarding venture.
Encore: What’s been your favorite show to costume design so far?
Emma: My favorite show to design for was Anything Goes, with Encore’s Stage Door summer camp. I have a sweet spot for historical accuracy, and it was a real treat to be able to dress our actors in the high-level society fashion of that time.
Encore: What was the most difficult show you’ve ever worked on?
Emma: The most difficult was probably Beauty and the Beast (also with Stage Door). While the show allowed many opportunities for imaginative design, the fantasy nature of the production presented unique challenges. Luckily, I had a very talented group of campers to help!
Encore: Do you have a dream show that you want to costume?
Emma: I would love to costume Pippin one day. The script is constructed in such a way to allow for highly-stylized design choices, and I would love to have that freedom.
Encore: Could you describe your design process for us?
Emma: The very first things I take into account before beginning designs are the historical accuracy and the practicality of each costume. The process begins with copious research, from which I draw my initial inspiration. After that, I do my best to get to know the actors within the roles, to tailor the costumes toward their specific personalities when possible. Then all that’s left is to add in the details!
Encore: Any tips for creative Halloween costumes?
Emma: Do something you’re excited about. Truly amazing costumes can be created on little to no budget with just a little bit of imagination and elbow grease, but if you aren’t excited about it, the costume will reflect that. You can add detail and excitement with some creative makeup tricks or hairstyles. Lastly, a big smile will make any costume stand out.
Join us this Saturday to put these costume tips to the test during Encore’s first ever Costume Caper 5K! There is still time to register and join in on the fun.
Finally, to feast your eyes upon Emma’s costumes this holiday season, click here to buy your tickets to A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol today! Tickets can be purchased online, by calling (703) 548-1154, or by contacting boxoffice@encorestage.org. If you plan on bringing half the village (or least ten people), be sure to take advantage of our group sales tickets, which are only $8!
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol runs December 2-4 at Gunston Arts Center (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22206).
Photography credit: Larry McClemons, Hayley Olivenbaum, and Encore Stage staff
Blog contributor: Shannon McCarthy, 2016 Arts Apprentice