Who Does That?

A corset that lasts 100 years. A hat adorned with a dozen monarch butterflies. A two-minute pantsuit-to-ballgown transition for the actor playing the First Lady. 

These are just a few of the items that costume shop manager Heather Bair has brought to life on the stages of University Theatre in the College of Arts and Sciences Department of Theatre Arts.

Bair is a cutter/draper, which in costume design parlance means she translates sketches into a pattern that is cut and assembled into a wearable and durable garment.

Each complete costume is bespoke, created specifically for the actor cast in each role. Vintage dress forms are padded to fit the measurements of the performer.

The faculty and student designers identify items to purchase or pull from stock. Bair can buy online or from local thrifts stores, staying mindful of the budget. If a costume has to be “built” or created from scratch, that is decided at the beginning of the show.

In the costume shop are modern digital sewing machines and sturdy ones from the early 1950s. Groups of students take lab classes to learn a variety of stitching and sewing techniques. Some are not theater majors, they just love to sew and enjoy a few hours of analog activity. Projects can include apparel for current or future shows. 

Bair loves period pieces, owing to her background in opera costume design. A favorite is “Twelfth Night,” which the theatre has put on.

She also likes teaching students real-world skills such as how to perform a professional fitting and how to conduct and advocate for themselves in a variety of situations.

Marvel at the couture costumes during the final show of the University Theatre season, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Opening night is May 23 and tickets are on sale at the UO Ticket Office or online.

—Jennifer Archer, University Communications