Theatre Student Lucy Maucotel Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Department of Theatre and Media Arts’ Costume Design
Theatre productions are a blend of multiple art forms and mediums, each contributing to all that unfolds onstage. In the Department of Theatre and Media Arts (TMA), a key part of bringing a production to life is costume design. Lucy Maucotel, a theatre arts studies student with a focus in costume design, helped design costumes for the upcoming production of “Men on Boats.”
For Maucotel, costume design is as much about research as it is about creativity. “One of the first steps for a production, and the most fun part for me, is to spend a lot of time studying fashion and costume history,” said Maucotel.
Her process involves immersing herself in the time period of the production, as well as drawing inspiration from other designers. This combination allows her to be innovative and bold in her own designs. She also noted that attending other productions and learning from the creativity of professional designers has helped her to be brave and try new things with her own costume designs.
Maucotel is currently designing costumes for the upcoming TMA production, "Men on Boats." Set in the late 1800s, the play follows the true story of an expedition down the Colorado River. “I studied old black and white photographs and records of explorers in the late 1800s,” she said. When looking for inspiration, Maucotel found herself turning not only to history but also to the script which she read several times. “I wanted the costumes to represent the characters’ personalities so the audience could get to know them right away,” she said. “I love helping the characters come to life through costume design.”
Maucotel attributes much of her growth as a designer to the experiential learning she’s gained at BYU. “My BYU education has provided me the opportunity for hands-on experiences in costume design that many universities do not provide,” she said. “I never imagined that as a student I’d have the opportunity to work on mainstage productions with substantial budgets.”
Maucotel also noted her gratitude for the mentorship she has received from professors and the manager of the TMA Costume Shop. “Collaborating with faculty and other student designers in production meetings has been so helpful in preparing me for a future graduate degree and career in costume design,” she said. “The Costume Shop and the faculty that run it are there to help students learn. From encouraging backstage crew work to hiring students for all sorts of positions to giving advice on productions, everything is directed toward student experience.”
According to Maucotel, her work is deeply influenced by her faith. “Without the love and support that my Heavenly Father has given me throughout my college experience, I would not be studying costume design,” she shared. For her, costume design is a spiritually fulfilling experience, one that allows her to uplift others while also feeling uplifted herself. This blend of faith and artistry is a driving force behind her dedication to her craft.
Maucotel’s experience in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts has sharpened her skills and deepened her ability to tell stories through costume design. With plans to further her education and work in regional theatres, Maucotel is set to bring characters to life on stages beyond BYU, ensuring each production is a memorable visual and emotional experience.
“Men on Boats” is scheduled to take the stage at the West Campus Studio Theatre beginning October 18, 2024.