Below are Ms. Chapman’s answers:
The highlight of my career is watching the shows to which I contribute. Seeing the costume design mesh with the other technical designs to highlight the performances onstage warms my soul.
Our challenges play into our creativity. Time and money could always be in greater supply, though restrictions in these areas often help you find new methods for success.
The basics of my career path started with learning how to sew in a summer 4-H day camp when I was 9 years old. An amazing 4-H Extension Agent named Lynn Berry helped me learn to sew my first garment, a red wrap-around skirt. As the years continued, my sewing improved, and I decided to pursue a degree in Theatre at James Madison University, where I learned to turn my sewing skills into a career in theatrical costuming.
Most of the time, my job requires more personal interaction and navigating relationships than it involves actual sewing and fitting of costumes. I should have taken more psychology classes in college.
No formal education or degree is required to pursue this career. One can learn the technical skills on their own (sewing, wig making, makeup application) and work their way into a career backstage at a local theatre to gain experience. From there, pursue larger venues and opportunities as they arise.
