Erika Krause
I am a Washington, D.C. local draper, dresser, and all around costume technician. Until the shut down I was employed by the Washington National Opera as a first hand. I have my MFA from Boston University in Costume Production and a BA in Theatre from James Madison University. I have worked in all the various roles of clothing construction including custom pattern making, stitching on every kind of machine, tailoring, and costume crafts (dying, leatherwork, millinery, etc.) Since the shut down I have been taking on private clients for personal alterations from my home studio (and of course making masks.)
Working towards my master’s degree in costume production at BU, my main focus was in construction. While I did have to take classes in design, which helped me have productive conversations with designers, I took classes in period and modern underpinnings, modern and historic men’s tailoring, women’s tailoring, millinery, and dye. Additionally, I draped for mainstage productions at the university. My education provided me with practical experience by working within a time and budget limit while pushing my boundaries with exciting build assignments.
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In undergrad, I worked in the James Madison University’s costume shop as a shop assistant. There I was able to start working with professional designers for theatre and dance shows. I was part of a team which, due to a rigorous academic schedule, had to continuously hand off projects mid-stream (so a lot of practice explaining to someone else how to finish a task.) We also worked with undergraduates in other concentrations as part of their practicum hours, teaching them basic sewing skills like hand stitching, serging, and domestic machine sewing. Costume shop assistants were also expected to be on site during rehearsals and performances to help with quick changes and any sewing emergencies.
After undergrad I became the First Hand at Barter Theatre (LORT D) where I spent 13 months working with resident and guest designers on everything from Musicals on the proscenium to plays in the black box to children's shows that went on tour, all in rep. The fast paced and amazing work inspired me to continue my education which led me to Boston University.
I am a Washington, D.C. local draper, dresser, and all around costume technician. Until the shut down I was employed by the Washington National Opera as a first hand. I have my MFA from Boston University in Costume Production and a BA in Theatre from James Madison University. I have worked in all the various roles of clothing construction including custom pattern making, stitching on every kind of machine, tailoring, and costume crafts (dying, leatherwork, millinery, etc.) Since the shut down I have been taking on private clients for personal alterations from my home studio (and of course making masks.)
Working towards my master’s degree in costume production at BU, my main focus was in construction. While I did have to take classes in design, which helped me have productive conversations with designers, I took classes in period and modern underpinnings, modern and historic men’s tailoring, women’s tailoring, millinery, and dye. Additionally, I draped for mainstage productions at the university. My education provided me with practical experience by working within a time and budget limit while pushing my boundaries with exciting build assignments.
?
In undergrad, I worked in the James Madison University’s costume shop as a shop assistant. There I was able to start working with professional designers for theatre and dance shows. I was part of a team which, due to a rigorous academic schedule, had to continuously hand off projects mid-stream (so a lot of practice explaining to someone else how to finish a task.) We also worked with undergraduates in other concentrations as part of their practicum hours, teaching them basic sewing skills like hand stitching, serging, and domestic machine sewing. Costume shop assistants were also expected to be on site during rehearsals and performances to help with quick changes and any sewing emergencies.
After undergrad I became the First Hand at Barter Theatre (LORT D) where I spent 13 months working with resident and guest designers on everything from Musicals on the proscenium to plays in the black box to children's shows that went on tour, all in rep. The fast paced and amazing work inspired me to continue my education which led me to Boston University.