Thirteen dresses bring new spark to theatre

The first theatrical production of the year may still be some months away yet the USQ Arts Theatre is a hive of activity as it prepares for the enthusiastic rush of Semester 1 students.

Located in the Creative Arts building, the University’s only structure to be water-damaged during the region’s heavy deluge on January 10, the Theatre is currently undergoing a restoration and refreshment. And beneath the winding passageways, numerous music rooms, offices, gallery and main theatre, Costume Designer Carolyn Taylor-Smith is doing what she loves best.

Ensconced in the visually-scrumptious wardrobe department of the theatre, the stylish Carolyn is carefully examining a rack of exquisite new gowns in shades of white, cream, green and red.

'These are great, we’re going to give them an exciting new life,' Carolyn said with satisfaction.

The 13 gowns – some worth an estimated $3500 each - were generously donated to USQ Artsworx by Brisbane award-winning bridal gown designer, Wendy Makin, when she learned of the theatre’s plight. As the rain storm hit, six inches of water swept through the wardrobe department, damaging numerous handmade costumes, vintage pieces, expensive leather shoes and ultimately, USQ history.

'Since then we’ve been going through rack by rack, airing out the costumes, getting rid of mould and throwing out ruined clothing,' Carolyn said. 'We have lost a lot of stock and it’s been a difficult time. We are working hard to ensure that we don’t lose precious stock.'

This tragedy – not terribly unlike the Shakespearean ones USQ is so well-known for – was recounted by USQ staff member Sue Pearson when accompanying her daughter to a dress fitting at Wendy Makin’s Bridal Designs in Brisbane recently.

'After Wendy heard about the flood damage to our costumes she packaged up 13 gowns from her ready-to-wear line and gave them to me as a donation,' Mrs Pearson said. 'She was thrilled to be able to help us out.'

The gowns will now be transformed into beautiful costumes to feature in upcoming Artsworx shows including the Children’s Festival production of Ivy Shambitt and the Sound Machine (May) and the Shakespeare in the Park Festival season of A Midsummer Night’s Dream (October).

'This year is the 10th anniversary of our 2001 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Empire Theatre and coincidentally, I am celebrating my 10th year here at USQ,' Carolyn said.

'When I first began a decade ago I was employed as the Costume Maker for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which we are doing again this year, so that takes me back.'

Carolyn said further donations of leather shoes and vintage pieces would always be appreciated as she continued to replenish the theatre’s wardrobe supplies.