Chris Baker graduated from Moorpark College last semester, but enrolled again after a call from lead costume designer Haleh Risdana, offering him the opportunity to work on Moorpark College’s upcoming production of “Dracula.”
Baker is one of the many students who returned to Moorpark College after graduation to continue work in the school’s costume and makeup department.
“I dig the challenge of the practical side of it, like how long you have on one actor and how long you have to change them and base the makeup design on whether its feasible to get them to stage,” said Baker.
Risdana gathers a talented group of students each year to create the elaborate costumes and make-up seen in the theater productions at Moorpark. Her team includes students such as Sarah Ake, who has been involved with fashion shows and has worked with fashion designers in Los Angeles. Make-up and hair designers Dina Blatt, Vanessa Fox, Angie Negrete, and Ashleigh Stannard are also part of the team.
Costumes are pulled from a small collection from previous shows that are altered and “Frankensteined” to fit the specific time period needed for a production. Designers and stitchers on the team, including Ake, Faith Evans, Sherry Hubbert, Carla Guenther, and Julian Armenta work closely with John Loprieno, the production’s director, to achieve his vision for the costumes with the corresponding production.
The team works in the theater costume shop, which is adorned from ceiling to floor with inspiration photos, sketches, and artwork from the designers and director for the upcoming productions as well as materials to build the cast’s wardrobe.
Risdana has had extensive experience with fashion and costuming after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts from Cal State Long Beach and a Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from Brigham Young University. She was nominated for the Award of Merit for her costume design work on “The Adventures of Sheriff Kid McLain.” Her impressive design career includes work on “The Trouble with Barry,” “White Shoe,” and the upcoming film “Haunted: 333.”
Teamwork is not only needed among a production’s cast, but also essential for the designers behind the scenes creating the extravagant aesthetic seen on stage. As the opening of “Dracula” approaches, the costume and makeup team prepares for the period costumes and are starting to dress the actors to accentuate each of the characters in the production.
“We all have built relationships with one another, and find new talent that come into the fold with us,” said Risdana. “As the team gets bigger, we get closer and the relationships grow.”
Moorpark College students can look forward to the production of “Dracula” with its grand sets, period costumes, and spine-chilling story. Steven Dietz’s adaption of Bram Stoker’s story follows the Lord of the vampires, Dracula, and his pursuit of two young women, Mina and Lucy. Familiar characters such as Van Helsing and Dracula’s insane, rat-eating servant Renfield are also seen in this supernatural tale.
Moorpark College’s production of “Dracula” will run from Oct.16-26 in the Performing Arts Building, where students can view the intricate costumes and makeup specifically designed for the play. For tickets and additional information visit, http://sunny.moorparkcollege.edu/theatre/.
