Interview with Costume Supervisor Sarah Marion

Q: The costume team has its own dedicated space at The Joan for the first time in Cygnet’s history! How have you and your team settled into the space and what has that experience been like so far?

A: It’s been a great experience moving over to The Joan. For the first time, everything has a dedicated home and I have enough space to add more sewing machines, a larger cutting table, and an ironing table.

Q: With our current and upcoming seasons, production has had to adapt to quicker turnaround times and overlapping productions. What has that been like specifically for costumes? Any challenges or surprises?

A: We are constantly having to work on multiple shows at once. We have one in production, one in rehearsal, and another one in pre-production, which means we are constantly doing laundry, repairs, fittings, alterations, gathering actor measurements, and beginning the build process. Organization has been key!

Q: What is your favorite part about working at Cygnet and being in The Joan officially?

A: One of the things I love is that I know the history of so many of our costumes that we keep in stock. I have worked at Cygnet since 2013, so I have been around for so many shows. Each garment tells a story, and I love that I’m the one who knows it. As for being at The Joan, I love having a dedicated work space that I got to create. I put a lot of thought into how the shop should come together and I am proud of what it has become.

Q: What show are you most looking forward to working on costumes for in the current or upcoming season and why?

A: Arcadia – because I love the Regency era. But also Bat Boy. I’ve never seen it, but I am so interested and curious as to what we will create.