Students win contest in theatre costume design
Costume design can be a tough, overlooked job.
But for Natalie Loveland, a White Lake senior, a little recognition goes a long way.
Loveland won two awards from the American College Theatre Festival, a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities.
She won the Region 3 Costume Design for unrealized designs and received honorable mention for the National Barbizon Award in costume design.
“I felt very honored to be recognized,” Loveland said. “It’s especially nice that the whole department has been supportive and was there for me.”
Ann Dasen, coordinator of costume designs for the College of Communication and Fine Arts, said it is not easy to snag an award.
“We review almost everyone to make sure their material is up to the standards,” said Director of University Theatre Steve Berglund.
Students can compete in two categories: unrealized, which is usually class projects or extra assignments that never make it on stage, and realized, which is any material for plays that is completed, Ann Dasen said.
In the competition, Central Michigan is part of a region that includes Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.
“We’re one of the biggest regions. We have the most participants,” Dason said.
Loveland chose “The Dancing Spider,” a children’s African folklore musical, for her unrealized project.
“ACTF has design categories and they provide six shows that you can choose from. (The Dancing Spider) was one of options provided,” Loveland said. “I wanted to do it because it allowed me to be creative and colorful with my design choice.”
