A Look Behind-the-Seams, with Costume Director Shelby Joiner
Costuming is much more than simply sewing fabric together. Like many art forms, it begins with an idea. Then a sketch. Then application. However, it doesn’t stop once an artist is dressed. “Once the costumes are created, fit, and ready for performances, we still have to inventory, maintain, repair, and launder each piece on a regular basis,” says Costume Director Shelby Joiner. She goes on to explain that in many ways, the creation of the costume is “just the beginning.”
As an accomplished painter/dyer and First Hand, the primary assistant to the Cutter/Draper, Shelby has turned a moment of whimsy into a career. After seeing The Lion King on Broadway with her mother as a 22nd birthday gift, Shelby said, “when those life-size animal puppets started walking down the aisles past us to the rhythm of the live orchestra, tears ran down my face. That was the moment for me.” As her career progressed, Shelby shifted her focus from being a creator to becoming a Costume Director, working closely with designers facilitating the builds and beginning a liaison between designers, vendors, makers, assistants, as well as the opera company itself. Most importantly, the job includes her favorite part of the process: shopping.
“We have an entire wardrobe team (separate from the costume shop team) who quite literally keeps the show running.” Shelby states that the work is not simply within pre-production. Once the show is on stage, it’s up to her and her team to ensure the costumes stay in working order. “They dress the singers, set up quick changes backstage, and sort socks.” When the curtain falls after each show, Shelby’s team “take the stage” collecting the costumes for cleaning and other maintenance when needed. Detailed notes are also kept on every costume piece to keep everything in show ready conditions. These documents are also utilized when other opera companies rent costumes.
Though it can be a long process, Shelby makes sure she and her team keep a positive mindset. The costume shop at DMMO is an ever-lively space with music being played while people work; popsicles are enjoyed on particularly warm Iowa summer days and to celebrate special occasions. At the end of it all, it’s the ability to tell a unique story that keeps Shelby motivated. “Storytelling is what drew me to theatre, it's what changes minds and draws people in.”