Costume

Click here to listen to Deanna tell her story.

The Skill and Craft of Costume Construction

by Deanna Willings

My love of technical theatre began in university. To be honest I had no idea that working in theatre could be a career till I was exploring school options post-secondary. I came across and was accepted into (then) Ryerson's Theatre Technical program (now called Toronto Metropolitan University). It was a great program at the time as it gave a really good introduction into all aspects of technical theatre including management, construction, implementation and design. I gravitated to costume construction and have been pursuing a career in the field since.

I have loved developing my skills and craft working in theatre and dance, but it is definitely not a career for the faint of heart. One of the largest challenges I found working in theatre arts was the lack of permanent job positions, especially for costume builders. Most of the work available is contract, which can be quite stressful at times. After the birth of my second child I took a hiatus from costume construction and took a full time management position with a production company in order to obtain some job security. I have since returned to working in wardrobes because, although there is not much in the way of job security, there is satisfaction and joy in being a maker.

Deanna Willings is a costume builder with over 20 years experience cutting and stitching for Toronto theatre and dance companies. She has worked with such notable companies as The National Ballet of Canada, Mirvish Productions, Soulpepper, Canadian Stage, YPT and Factory Theatre. Deanna had the opportunity to collaborate on several Dora award winning productions of Video Cabaret’s The History of the Village of Small Huts Canadian history plays. She is currently working again with the National Ballet, having just completed work for the new productions Madd Addam and Alleged Dances.