Throughout my time at Baldwin, there is one event that I look forward to every single year without fail—the Spring Musical. I’ve always been seated in the first row to see perfectly the life and effort my friends and classmates are putting into their performances. This year, I was immediately captivated when they announced that the musical would be Grease, one of my favorite movies. Out of curiosity and pure interest in the work being put behind the scenes to embody these characters, I signed up to be the costume designer. I had always been captivated by the art of fashion, but I never imagined the transformative power that seeing this musical come to life would hold for me.

At first, it was daunting. I immediately felt the weight of the responsibility of bringing characters to life, and it seemed overwhelming. However, as I delved deeper into my work, I discovered a passion and a sense of purpose that I hadn’t experienced before. Each costume became more than just clothing; it became a vessel through which the essence of the character was channeled. I spent every lunch, unscheduled period, after school, time in my own home, and every Saturday rehearsal trying to do justice to what every costume designer before me had done, exceeding all expectations. I had a personal goal that most, if not all, of the wardrobe would have some “Helena touch” to it, whether that be by painting, sewing, or a simple alteration. But it wasn’t just about the costumes. It was about the people. Collaborating with the cast and crew opened my eyes to the power of teamwork and creativity. Together, we navigated challenges, celebrated victories, and created bonds that have transcended the stage. I had the time of my life not only sewing, painting, and putting together this attire, but watching this theater family work tirelessly on the stage. Through quick changes during tech week, last-minute alterations, and moments of panic because someone forgot to bring their designated costume, I discovered resilience I never knew I possessed. The pressure of deadlines and the demands of perfection pushed me to exceed my own expectations and grow in ways I never thought would be possible.

Then, it was time. March 15th, 2024, opening night. As I saw everyone arriving hours early to prep for their wardrobe, hair, and makeup, I felt a wave of relief overcome me. Not because my work was done, but because everyone was soon going to see the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that were poured into this production. As the lights dimmed and the curtains opened, I watched in awe as the talented people I get to call my friends brought to life these iconic characters. They stepped into the spotlight and in that moment, I realized the profound impact that theater – and costume design – can have on both the audience and the artist. 2 and a half hours later, it was over. As the audience applauded when every single person on the cast and crew came up to the stage to give their final bow, we realized that applause was more than just recognition of our hard work; it was a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and the collective spirit of the family the theater community at Baldwin has created for themselves. 

Being a costume designer for the spring play has taught me invaluable lessons about dedication, creativity, and the power of collaboration. It has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and trust in my abilities. But above all, it showed me that sometimes, the most profound transformations happen when we least expect them – in the quiet moments of creation, in the shared laughter of getting ready for a scene, and in the magic of a story on stage. As I reflect on my time working with these incredible people, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, the friendships, and the memories that will stay with me forever. I am beyond excited to return to the environment next year, my last one. 

In the end, being a costume designer wasn’t just about creating costumes; it helped me find my voice and realize that sometimes, the greatest transformations come from stepping into the spotlight, working as a team, and embracing the magic of the stage together.