Ashley
Robin Trujillo
- Area of Study: Costume Design and Technology
- Current City: Bethlehem, PA
- Graduation Date: 2016
- Current Occupation: Persuing an MFA in Costume Design and Technology at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)
Why did you choose WCU and/or the Department of Theatre and Dance?
I first started at WCU in the Music Education program and was in the program for a
few years. One summer, I took a job at Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, and ended
up working in their costume shop. What was supposed to be "just a summer job" turned
in to a new passion--one I had to explore. Once I got back to WCU, I volunteered in
the costume shop and started taking costume classes. I was instantly drawn to the
program because of its extremely dedicated faculty, supportive student population,
and high production value. Once I started to experience the program, I never looked
back.
How has the quality of education you received from WCU prepared you for life after
graduation?
At WCU when I was a student designer, assistant designer, and costume technician,
I learned many valuable skills. I learned the numerous technical skills that go along
with designing and making costumes, such as strong organizational skills and a variety
of sewing techniques. But more importantly, I learned skills in collaboration, which
is vital to doing any job in theatre, but especially in costumes. Also, because I
had so many opportunities to work on actual productions, I learned very real and valuable
problem-solving skills that are vital to any theatre practitioner. The hands-on nature
of the program taught me so many skills that I still use as a professional today.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me generally has a few classes in costume technology (such as draping
for historical men/women, tailoring, millinery, dye, etc.) as well as costume design
and costume history classes. In between (and after) classes I will be leading fittings
as a designer or working on costume pieces for a production as a milliner, crafts
artisan or draper. I also do work hours in the costume shop as part of my graduate
assistantship that involves alterations, building and cutting costumes, and sometimes
draping or patterning for one of the many productions we put on at CCM. Graduate school
involves balancing many different projects at once.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to enter your field?
Whether you are interested in either costume design or costume technology, try to
learn as much as you can in both areas. Whether you are a designer and you know about
costume construction, or if you are a technician and you know about interpreting design
sketches and research images, knowing both sides of the coin helps the collaborative
process for everybody. Also, for someone who does not know where to start, start by
volunteering in the costume shop!
What advice would you like to give to graduating seniors?
Don't be afraid to take summer theatre jobs around the country! It's a great opportunity
to travel, make new contacts, and learn new things from new people! And of course,
never stop learning.
What makes our college stand out to you?
I think what makes WCU special is the amount of one-on-one mentoring you receive from
your professors, and the hands-on production experience that really cannot be replaced
with anything else. Also, the atmosphere in the school among students is inviting,
supportive, and uplifting.
What is your favorite memory of being a student at WCU and/or in our college?
My favorite memory of being a student at WCU was when I was the costume designer for
Ibsen's Ghosts in my final year. I have so many fond memories of creating those costumes and putting
together that production with an incredible production team. The sense of accomplishment
I had - and the wonderful group of people who helped make it possible - made working
on that show the best part of my college career.