Abstract
This presentation examines how costume design can function as a powerful tool for community storytelling and social engagement beyond traditional theatrical frameworks. As a recipient of a North Dakota Council on the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, I developed a devised theatre project that explored the shared experiences of women across geographic and demographic boundaries within the state of North Dakota in the United States. The methodology involved conducting IRB-approved interviews with participants, analyzing their narratives to identify common themes surrounding aging, motherhood, relationships, and regional identity, then translating these collective stories into five original costume designs. The creative process incorporated unconventional use of textile dyeing and painting techniques culminating in the creation of five pieces that were showcased featuring local models. Additionally, I facilitated workshops enabling community members to design costumes from their own narratives using similar methodological approaches. This project demonstrates how costume design and devised theatre methodologies can serve as vehicles for amplifying voices and fostering community dialogue around shared experiences. The work challenges traditional boundaries between artist and community, positioning the costume designer as both researcher and facilitator of social discourse. This presentation will share the complete process from grant acquisition and IRB approval through final documentation, offering a replicable model for arts practitioners seeking to engage meaningfully with their communities while addressing contemporary social questions through creative practice.
Presenters
Camilla MorrisonVisiting Instructor of Costume Design and Technology, School of Performing Arts, Virginia Tech, Virginia, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Arts in Social, Political, and Community Life
KEYWORDS
Community, Devising, Theatre, Costumes, Design, Social, Stories, Storytelling
