Dressing Lughnasa

Andrew Hautre, His Freshmen year.

Dressing Lughnasa
By Henry Ballesteros


Many people who go and enjoy the theatre often underestimate what goes into dressing a show. Especially a show like Dancing at Lughnasa. We sat down with Andrew Haueter, who is the costume designer for Lughnasa.

H: How did you get ready to design costumes for Lughnasa?
A: First by reading the play and second by meeting with the director, Melinda Vaughn. She really wanted to drive the point that this was a memory play. The memories of Michael Evans (Josh Hopkins) looking back on 1936. I looked through a lot of vintage photos close to that time period, as well as Victorian photos that have been colorized. Everyone in the memory has the same color tones, with the exception of Uncle Jack (Nate Smith). He has no color as he doesn't fit in with the family anymore. Seeing as how Michael is looking back on his childhood, I wanted him to have a combination of his mother and father as far as color and design are concerned.

H: What was a challenge for you doing this particular show?
A: I have never done a straight play before. It's a challenge to do a show were the pacing is different and the audience has a better chance of really seeing the clothes the actors are wearing versus listening to amazing singing and dancing.

H: What is something the audience will be able to take away from the show?
A: Everyone who comes will be able to relate to at least one member of the family, if not all of them.

H: What would you tell those who want to pursue a career in Theatre Arts?
A: Never be afraid to ask for opportunites. One of the first shows I worked on was Rabbit Hole for Second Studio. And it has helped me all the way to working on Lughnasa. The first Main Stage I assisted on was Christmas Carol on the Air (the first time).

H: Are there any kind of words of wisdom you'd like to share with any new students?
A: It's okay to make mistakes. Once you've made them, learn from them, own it and move on.

Andrew first came to SUU as a History Education Major, but then realized his true calling was in Theatre Arts. Andrew is a Senior, and will graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Theatre Arts. Dancing at Lughnasa opens November 5th and runs to the 10th with a matinee on the 8th.