Hey fellow volunteer — Welcome to the chaos (and the magic)!

I’m just like you…hot glue at midnight, a tight budget, and a cast of 60 teenagers who grow three inches between auditions and opening night!

But…when the curtain rises and the costumes shine
every late night is worth it. ♥️

My 4 Simple Rules for Success

The 10-Foot Rule If the audience can’t spot it from row A, let it go. A slightly wonky hem or an inside seam that’s only held together with safety pins? Totally fine. (Still working on believing this myself, but it saves my sanity every tech week!)

The “Essentials” Wardrobe I rely on a small set of base pieces I can make once and remix forever: black knickers, white peasant blouse, neutral vests, basic skirts, etc. I’ll show you exactly how I build them and then transform them show after show so they always look brand-new.

Upcycle Everything Old prom dresses, thrift-store suits, drapes, parent donations — they all get a second life on my stage. Cheaper, faster, and way better for the planet.

Rent the Giants Some things just aren’t worth building (or storing!). Ursula’s tentacles, full mascot heads…I happily rent those and spend my time and budget where it really shows.
Hint: Limited time and help, rent the main characters…sew/build the ensemble.

That’s it — four rules, zero perfectionism, maximum stage magic.

Stick around and I’ll keep sharing the exact builds, thrift hauls, and budget hacks that have helped me survive 8 musical productions (and counting!).