Participants were free to roam the department’s sewing/assembly room.
Carol Jones and Ila Larson
The PebbleCreek Art Club recently sponsored a field trip to the Arizona Opera Costume Department in Central Phoenix. Sixteen club members and guests enjoyed a fascinating talk by Department Manager Kathleen Trott who displayed and described costumes worn in Riders of the Purple Sage (an Arizona born and bred opera); Madame Butterfly and Rufalka from the 2016 and early 2017 seasons.
Kathleen told in detail how costumes are created, first on paper, then constructed from inexpensive material and, finally, how she shops for the appropriate material that perfectly fits the period and mood of any particular opera.
Participants were free to roam the department’s sewing/assembly room and the vast storage areas where costumes from past and future are kept and often shipped out to other opera companies in other parts of the country.
Attendees were delighted to see, feel and even model the costumes – up close and personal.
Organizers are hoping to do this event again in the future.