expected to be the ones in charge.
In late September Mr. Laidlaw came
to us and asked if we were interested
in doing the costumes for the school
play, Our Town. We were ready for the
challenge..
a little intimidated by
this because neither of
us knew how to draw.
Luckily though, one of
our talents is research.
We spent several hours
watching an old ver-
sion of Our Town and
marking ideal pictures
in costume design
books. Once we found
the styles we were
looking for, we began
with the drawings. Now
this may seem like a pretty simple task,
but there were many diff erent cos-
tumes we had to plan, often including
multiple costumes for one character.
We decided we needed a costume
team, so we asked for volunteers. We
were impressed by the enthusiasm of
many students from younger grades.
Fortunately, they were life savers when
it came to the sketches and altera-
tions.
idea what was in store for us literally.
We made the mistake of starting with
professional costume stores and soon
modate this. It was time for Kensington
Market, Goodwill and Value Village! It
was fun looking through all the vintage
clothing, but it was diffi
is set in 1901, followed by another act in
1904 and the last in 1913. Sometimes it
was disappointing when we pulled out
our measurement book and realized
that we had to keep looking.
spite strange looks from other shoppers
and say to each other, "Is this really Em-
ily?" One of the really fun things was that
by the time we had done the designs
felt like we really knew each character
inside and out.
ton are often open to negotiation! As
soon as store owners found out about
understanding of our
fi nancial limitations.
was for Nick Ash-
bourne's character, the
Stage Manager. We
ended up bringing Nick
down to Kensington so
we could do a proper
fi tting. After hours of
searching with Nick in
tow, we found the per-
fect suit! We were lucky
he was such a good
opinions and Mr. Laidlaw's approval.
It was interesting to get diff erent
perspectives on the characters, but
in the end we were able to come to a
consensus.
the characters came to life through
the actors and, more importantly,
through the costumes they are wear-
ing!
now, and she believes that art education
is important and applies to other aspects
in life.
tioner of art. There is an art to appreciat-
ing art, and that is a very laudable goal in
itself. We have no theatre with no audi-
ence, so to create an educated audience
is a part of being a well-rounded human
being."
being an artist is life experience and
having interests in other subjects.
Learning about literature, history and
culture gives you as much as a bedrock
as getting the skills at a performing arts
school. I would argue that what you
are exposed to here as students easily
weighs favourably with what one would
get at a performing arts school.
full-time. "I have a need to act and be
in plays. I am still somewhat afraid of
it and need to develop that aspect of
certain point in your career it's a respon-
sibility to help pass whatever you know
along to the next generation. I really do
enjoy it--it keeps me connected."
Reid proves that one can fi nd success
in a career in the arts without having to
sacrifi ce one's passions. Reid appreciates
the fact that she has the opportunity
to inspire the next generation of actors
through the classes she teaches while
continuing to act on stage. "I just feel
really lucky that I earn a living doing
something I love." [m]