Working on this play was an introduction to the professional setting of a traditional costume shop team: A designer, a draper, a first hand, and stitchers. I was hired as a costume technician, which was essentially a stitcher. My role was to take what was passed to me from the first hand, and sometimes the draper, to then sew together. However, my skillset became evident to the costume shop manager and draper which led to me having a couple more involved roles within the team such as truing patterns from the draper, patterning from commercial patterns, and marking/cutting mock-up and fashion fabric. Our original first hand was unable to continue working because they were having Visa troubles in which one of the stitchers who had worked for ISF previous years was promoted to first hand. Our draper eventually went to become the first hand for the third show in production, as contracted, once our show's preliminary build period was complete. Finally, our new first hand and the other stitcher were contracted as wardrobe, so they began going to tach rehearsals at the venue which ultimately left only me and the designer finishing up the final garment pieces and adornments. For my first professional opportunity, I felt adequately prepared, and given the circumstances, I would say the designer was fortunate in having me to be able to finish up the workload in time. The pieces I mainly got to work on was constructing Fabian's pattern-matched, rainbow jacket; Olivia's cocoon sweater, black dress, black knit top, green chevron wrap-skirt, and wedding gown; the twins' high-waisted trousers; and Malvolio's yellow shorts.

Points in which I was challenged:

• The intimidation of my first professional contract in a place where I knew no one and little familiarity with the brand of sewing machines.

  • Not being afraid of asking questions and for help/guidance was key to making me feel comfortable in the space and show my skillset capabilities.

• Familiarization with standardized costume construction terminology

  • Explaining techniques as what is done rather than just the name to ensure that we are on the same page was crucial so that nothing was wrongly constructed due to miscommunication.

• Balancing what I am instructed to do to finish a garment and wanting to use techniques that I am more familiar with.

  • Being willing to explore other versions in which people tackle garment construction and not be ashamed that in not knowing the technique.