The(SPY) Results are In
On June 26th, Vivian Steele was awarded a Superior Score for an original work in the playwriting category at The International Thespian Festival. This accomplishment is the third time she has received this prestigious national-level honor.
How an Actor Turned to the Dark Side
Beginning her time with The Theatre Collective as an actor, she has had the opportunity to explore acting, directing, and playwriting.
However, at the start of her sophomore year, she found herself unable to audition for the school’s fall show due to a community theater performance conflict.
New Directions
Here we are, the most bittersweet day that we’ve all been waiting for. It's the end of an era but it's also the beginning of new and exciting chapters for those who are graduating and those that will continue their artistic journey in this space.
As I reflect upon the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the countless memories we have shared together. I am so incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to serve as your president.
Ready to Fly
Last year, I had the chance to attend Otterbein's workshops at the International Thespian Festival. These sessions, along with a visit to campus during my Junior year, not only confirmed that I wanted a program that would allow me to explore many disciplines, but also that I wanted to learn from the people at Cowan Hall.
Not a Simple Sponge
As both our scenic designers and props crew were able to incorporate recyclables into their Bikini Bottom builds, I decided to take the idea one step further.
“What if fashion magazines and patterns from different decades had fallen down to the bottom of the ocean?”
Fry Cook of the Month
While our production would feature a female in the lead role, I still wanted to keep the character masculine in silhouette. My work began with design inspiration centered around a 1950s golfer.
CHUM
Chum began in fragments.
A 10-minute scene writing assignment junior year that I did not want to do, a discovery of the ouroboros symbol and a fixation on ‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’.
Dancing with Design: Cell Block Tango
Straying from traditional staged versions of the show and with the director’s permission, I created a “fantasy dance sequence” where each inmate and actor showcased their personality through their choice in clothing.
Band Hall Treasures
For this production, I was tasked with costuming several group numbers that called for up to 16 “matching” outfits. To meet this challenge, I reached out to our band, choir and drill team sponsors asking them to open their uniform closets to source base pieces for cost-effective alterations and upstylings.
“Razzle Dazzle” Him
For Billy, the main functional requirements centered around ease of movement for dancing numbers and re-enforcement of pants for a dramatic knee slide. While my original plan was to take on the creation of a bespoke burgundy pinstripe suit, I opted to simply alter an existing vintage 3-piece suit I had in my own wardrobe, pairing the black and white suiting with a red satin shirt and white tie for an element of color and “razzle-dazzle” shine.
Glam Rock “Julius Caesar”
Glam Rock or “Glitter Rock” was a musical movement that began in Britain around the early 1970s. Glam Rock celebrated the spectacle of the rock star and concert. Typically, male musicians took the stage in women’s makeup and clothing, adopted theatrical personas, and mounted glamorous musical productions, many centered around space-age futurism. While Julius Caesar and Glam Rock may seem like an odd pairing, I think this backdrop/concept for The Tragedy of Julius Caesar suits perfectly.
Orsino: Costume Design for “Twelfth Night”
In addition to playing the role of Viola/Cesario in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” or “What You Will”, I had the privilege to design and construct a costume for my character’s love interest, Count Orsino the weekend before opening night.
Orsino: Cape Construction for “Twelfth Night”
With less than a week before opening night, I knew my sewing skills would also be needed to complete Count Orsino’s look.
Orsino: “Harry Styles” Pants for “Twelfth Night”
Armed with my co-star’s measurements, I hit the fabric store for satin/silk-look material and a pajama pattern.
Forest Warriors for “Stumped”
The heart of my design/character influence in “Stumped” was the re-imagining of Tiger Lily and her band of female forest warriors.
Working on “Stumped”
Costuming the very first production of “Stumped” was such a rewarding project for me on the creative side. While I am extremely proud of my artistic skills, I learned that I also have other strengths.
International Thespian Festival Red Carpet
I’ve been a fan of the Met Gala for years and have always dreamed of creating a piece for a well-known celebrity to see and be seen in on the red carpet.
Production Timeline for “She Kills Monsters” Battle Corset
The battle corset was completed on campus with school equipment during scheduled rehearsals and work calls.
Pattern Selection for “She Kills Monsters” Battle Corset
For the battle corset, I selected a pattern with an under-bust option to accommodate the actor’s need for full upper body range of motion.
Inspiration for “She Kills Monsters”
Research sections from a Thespy submission document. This story features “Sources of Inspiration for Design and Color Palette.”