Spring 2024 – an HFI & George Washington Carver Center for the Arts and Technology Collaboration
HFI’s Career Pathways Program allowed Maryland students to gain insight into theater industry jobs outside of performing, including stagehand, management, marketing, wigs, costumes, lighting and sound, education possibilities and more. HFI facilitated side-by-side experiences with experts within the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, helping students learn firsthand what it takes to succeed in the theater business.
This particular program focused on the career pathway of a costume designer. During this 6-part program, 11 Carver students researched wedding dresses based on the year and setting for Mamma Mia! The Musical. Students were asked to sketch a new wedding dress for the main character, Sophie, based on their research. Over the course of several weeks, students worked with industry professionals from IATSE Local 913 to bring their sketches to life. Each student sewed and constructed their own individual dress, made in miniature.
Students’ designs (the dresses!) were displayed in the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center during the run of Mamma Mia! The Musical (April 16 – April 21). The program culminated with students attending the show on April 17.
