Congratulations to Linda Muth (Costumer) who is retiring at the end of this month after 32 years at MCT!
In light of my imminent retirement, I thought that I’d reflect on my time here at MCT.
In 1989, Michael McGill asked the cast of The Mikado if anyone could sew. Little did I know when I raised my hand that it would lead to an almost 32 years long odyssey with MCT! Whether designing community theatre productions or titles for our children’s tour, there has never been a dull moment. I have enjoyed every aspect including research, buying fabric, patterning, cutting, stitching, fittings and alterations. Creativity is my passion!
Design work at times has been challenging to say the least! How does a mosquito translate into a children’s costume that needs to be washed and dried every week? Or a dust bunny? How about a ‘dead garden’ costume or an apple seed? At the same time, designing costumes for the community stage has been just as demanding but at the same time—oh, so rewarding! Some of my favorite titles over the years have included The Producers, Spamalot, Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family and SpongeBob SquarePants! From the 100’s of costumes in the production of The Producers to the medieval dress that changes into a wedding gown on stage in Spamalot, I have enjoyed the creativity and cooperation in the costume shop. Through it all, I have been supported by amazing and talented technical assistants in my shop. One of the activities that I’ve enjoyed most over the years is what I call “using the communal brain.” If there is a problem that needs to be solved and the path forward is not clear, I open it up to my assistants and ask for ideas on how to solve it. After discussion, a solution is usually identified! The communal brain works great, and I highly recommend it!
Over the years, I have also enjoyed onstage roles in community productions. These roles have been very rewarding because they’ve given me the opportunity to make people laugh. This is something I adore, and I hope that I have been successful in such productions as Leading Ladies, Lend Me a Tenor and Steel Magnolias. I have treasured the people I have met and made many friendships that I’m sure will last for many years!
Lastly, MCT has been an incredible place to work! The company’s mission is inspiring, and I truly hope that through it all I have helped children to reach a new stage! I will miss my MCT family, fellow performers, stage crews and constant creativity! At the same time, it’s on to new adventures!!