Compiled by Jeremy van Meter
It is likely that you have seen his work on the Commonweal stage and now you have the chance to learn a few more details.
Photo courtesy of Viterbo University
In this edition of Curtain Up!, we get to know more about costume designer Jeff Stolz.
What is your title as far as the Commonweal is concerned?
I am a guest artist – Costume Designer.
How long have you worked with the Commonweal?
I have done several shows at the Commonweal over the past 4-5 years.
When you are not working on a freelance design, what are you up to?
I am a fulltime faculty member in the Theatre Dept. at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. I also do freelance costume design in the Minneapolis and Chicago area. I also enjoy the out doors – canoeing, hiking, camping and all of the activities that draw people to our part of the country.
What skills are necessary for a person in your position?
I think that a costume designer needs to have a good grasp of visual history and enjoy researching the looks of various times and cultures. Obviously someone in my position needs to be able to sew and construct garments, make patterns, alterations etc. I think that two skills necessary for anyone who works in theatre, or the arts in general, are the ability to collaborate effectively and to be able to figure things out on the fly. Often one is presented with a challenge or a dilemma and has to make it work on budget and by a deadline. That is the nature of the job.
What is one thing people might be surprised to know about your position?
That it is really easy and extremely well paying! Okay, just a joke. I don’t think that the general audience member realizes the work that goes in to putting on a production- nor should they. They should hopefully just enjoy the show. I think one misconception is that costumes or other items created for the theatre can be made in a slip-shod way because they are not seen up close. Most items have a great deal of detail and are actually quite beautiful. They also have to withstand more abuse than the garments or items that people use in their daily lives.
What was your first job in the theatre?
My first job out of undergraduate school was working at the Guthrie as an accessories craftsperson/design assistant. I was there for two seasons before going to graduate school in Madison. It was great job. I learned a great deal and got to work with a wide array of professionals.
Give some advice to someone who wants to do what you do.
Draw. Drawing gets your mind in contact with your hands. It also gives you time to think about what you see and sharpens your observation skills.
What was your favorite Commonweal production to either work on or see?
I did the costume design for Peer Gynt. I enjoyed working on the show very much and think that it was very successful. It seemed like this huge challenge to me – almost a dare! The show is huge! It spans an entire life, is both reality and fantasy. I was so impressed with the company on this one. The attitude was – “of course we can do this with 5 people and not a lot of money!” It was great fun and really challenged me to come up with some very creative designs that could be worn in a variety of ways to indicate various characters. And masks too – always good. It was very creative and a really good show.
Jeff’s most recent creation for the Commonweal, Parfumerie, is on stage until December 20.
The costumes in this production are beautiful. I especially like the dresses. Well done.