The Making of Grease: An Interview With Anna Campbell

In the world of theater and fashion, the art of costuming plays a highly crucial role in bringing the characters to life both on stage and backstage. Luckily, I had the opportunity to sit with this year’s costume designer for the JWU Players, Anna Campbell, a fashion merchandising and retailing major, and gain a deeper look into the world of costuming. Specifically for the JWU production of Grease.

When asked about the initial stages of costume design and how it could relate back to her major, Anna emphasized the importance of mood boards and trend forecasting, and the overlap it has with costume design. “Mood boards help us conceptualize the overall aesthetic and direction of the costumes,” she explained. She later added that “staying current with trends allows us to create looks that resonate with audiences while also maintaining the historical accuracy of the production when required.”

In order to complete your degree in fashion merchandising and retailing, a class in visual merchandising is a must. When asked how this particular class plays a role in the presentation and design of costumes, Anna said “It's essential that the costumes are not only accurate but also visually appealing.” She then added “our goal is to captivate the audience and enhance the storytelling through our designs.”

Dr. Jablon-Roberts, a former broadway costume designer for The Lion King as well as current professor here at JWU, collaborates closely with Anna as well as the entirety of the JWU Players, in order to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the costumes. “Dr. Jablon-Roberts’ expertise is invaluable,” Anna noted. “Their knowledge helps us create accurate costumes that truly reflect the time periods and characters we are portraying.”

Later in the interview, the conversation touched upon the more the physical parts of costume design. When it came to buying and creating costumes, Anna shared that “we either make costumes from scratch or source them from thrift stores for unique pieces. This approach allows us to find one-of-a-kind items that add depth and authenticity to the characters.” Later in the interview, we touched upon the technical aspects, specifically how technical skills are a key component of costume design. “We often need to make adjustments, such as sewing in extensions, to ensure a perfect fit,” Anna shared. “These technical details are vital for the comfort and mobility of the performers.”

Comfort of the actors was another big focus of Anna’s and the rest of the costume team. Anna emphasized the importance of costume parades, stating that “during costume parades, we try on the costumes to see if they fit and work,” Anna then added “If adjustments are needed, we workshop them till everything is perfect.”

As the interview came to a close, one final topic was broached, which was that of sustainability. When asked about sustainability, Anna confirmed that it was a significant focus of theirs, or as she put it, “we like to reuse clothing and costumes whenever possible.”