Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome

One of the best things about attending Mason Gross as a graduate student (or undergrad for that matter) is it's proximity to New York City. The amount of places to explore and experience are endless. Up until this past weekend I had taken advantage of all the museums and shopping in the city, but had yet to see a show on Broadway. (Don't throw rotten tomatoes yet) 

Luckily I rectified that this past weekend when my sister came to the city and we were able to spend a day off together exploring. Early in the morning we visited a large majority of the theatres on Broadway to peruse the show wares. Since she was in town for such a short time we decided to go big or go home, that's right, Cabaret. After hiking to Studio 54, we spoke with a lovely woman in the box office. Since each theatre is different she explained to us the Standby and Student Rush ticket policies for the studio.  If there were any extra seats to be had they would be given on a first come first serve basis to those waiting in the line designated. In my sister's true spirit she joked with the poor lady about setting aside two tickets for us under her desk, all three of us laughed it off and we assured her we would be back that night to try our luck. Before leaving we took a few pictures at the theatre, to do the tourist thing. 

That evening after picking up my sister's boyfriend, and after traipsing around New York City, we showed up to Studio 54 an hour and a half before curtain. It was a good thing too because someone had already gotten in line before us. 

At this time I feel I need to give you my top ten things to have/do while waiting in any student rush/standby line:
1. Know the weather: Some lines, like the one at Studio 54, are inside, so the weather does not affect you as much. Not all lines are like this. Some start inside but are so popular they end up exiting the building, while others are completely 100% out of doors. If it is going to rain, snow, etc. know this and come prepared.
2. Bring something to do: As much as you love those around you, chatting for an hour plus may not be your idea of a good time. This time I happened to have a book on me. Now a days with the advent of the smart phone it is easier to have things to do while in line, but a book helps you not use up that precious battery life as well.
3. You must stand: THE WHOLE TIME. Do not sit. You will get scolded. They make you work for your discounted theatre.
4. Wear comfortable shoes: or bring some to change into/out of for the show (if you are so lucky). See #3 for reasons.
5. Keep it positive: Throughout the roller coaster that was the hour and a half we waited, there were a few times that our optimism waned. Keep your spirits up and don't dwell on the what ifs.
6. Have a back up plan: if you don't get in, which sometimes you won't, have a plan for something fun to do so that you aren't just moping about the streets of New York fighting tourists. Plan to go to a nice restaurant you want to try or since the holidays are coming up, visit Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree. Create a fun event that will lessen your disappointment.
7. Decide early what you are willing to pay: Once tickets are available to you, it is impolite to hem and haw about the price. Those behind you may be willing to pay that $80 ticket that you are on the fence about. Know what you are willing to pay at the beginning; ask the box office what the range would be for your specific ticket (standby/student rush/standing) and agree with those you are with that you are all willing to pay that much. 
8. Be kind: to your fellow line waiters as well as the house staff. You are all there to experience/facilitate amazing theatre. Keep up the pleasantries and remember your "please" and "thank yous".
9. Arrive together: There is nothing worse than being second in line only to be "cut" by a group of people who sent ahead one representative. If one of your party has to leave (bathroom or food) make sure you let those that show up behind you (at least the very next group) that they will be coming back. It will help them mentally tally the likelihood they will get a ticket.  
9.5. Use the restroom and pack a snack: if you are apt to be hungry. Most shows happen around dinner and standing in line during that time can be tiresome if you are also hungry. Bring along some snack you can eat without bothering those around you and that is easily cleaned up. I suggest an apple in a plastic bag or a protein bar. 
10. Bring your student ID: if you are student rushing. They must see your student id or else you will not be able to get the student rush prices. 

After waiting an hour and a half in the lobby, my sister and I began to lose faith (#5 above). It was only three or four minutes before curtain and it looked as if we were going to have to go with plan B, eating at a lovely little pub and then disband. Suddenly the house manager traipsed over to the young lady waiting in front of us and ushered her to the first box office window. I made eye contact with the box office lady from that morning (she had a long shift and I applaud her) and we shared a hopeful look. Next we were asked how many of us were in a group "THREE" we all shouted. We were ushered to the next window and the box office lady nodded approvingly. Tickets were at the top end of our willingness to pay range, but my sister and I decided that after waiting so long we were going to take them anyway. It wasn't until after I signed for the tickets that I realized where we had been seated...orchestra level, second table in from the stage, on a traffic isle (for Alan Cumming!). It was awe invoking. I don't think I stopped shaking until well into the first act.

We ended up sharing a cabaret table with the gal who was in front of us. She was from Canada and was very pleasant to chat with during intermission and after the show. I was a tad jealous of her because Mr. Cumming picked her to join him in a dance after the intermission. It was probably the first time in my life that I wanted to be chosen for an audience participation event. But, I have pictures, a coaster from the table, and my playbill (which they handed out as you were leaving) to memorialize my first foray into student rushing. 

I would like to note not all student rush line waits end in such a magical moment. I have many a friend who have waited longer hours just to be the person right after the cut off. Some have waited up to six hours for a ticket and never gotten one. My sister, her boyfriend and I were lucky. The show was sold out and it was on a Saturday night. By all accounts and statistics we should not have been able to get such amazing seats or seats together or just seats in general. The theatre gods smiled on our poor souls that night and for that we are forever grateful. 

I hope the above tips as well as this anecdote helps prospective student rush-ers navigate the waters that are student rush. Enjoy your experiences!

Side not, costumes were beautiful. The two worlds of the play (Kit Kat Club and everyday Germany) were defined well through the clothes. Each had their own details and in their own way were beautiful. The strong picture at the end with the emcee took my breath away in the best way. The costumes helped transition the play in such a subtle way most people wouldn't notice unless they were making mental note of the costumes to chat with one of their professors about...(guilty). The acting, costumes, set, sound, lighting, all created a splendid event that I will remember for quite some time.  

On Halloween I had the opportunity to visit the Costume Institute at the MET Museum and view their exhibition on mourning attire. It was a perfect start to my Halloween evening. 
The exhibit was small, but beautifully curated. The clothing pieces were chronologically displayed with pieces of ombre fabric giving each upcoming silhouette a ghostly appearance. The music, lighting, and other visuals added to the atmosphere. 
I was fascinated by the literature provided as well as the costume pieces themselves. I know a bit about the history of mourning attire, but the specifics that were shared in the show were new and interesting to read about. 
There were also mourning accessories in a small adjoining room with some portraits and prints of a widow character that were popular in the early 1900's. 

One piece of the show I was especially interested in was a mourning dress worn by Queen Victoria. I knew she was a small woman, but this picture does not do her stature justice. She was indeed a short, round lady. 

The levels of mourning were also explained and their color palette shown. The integration of a more fashionable mourning style was also evident throughout the history of the custom. It was also explained that fashion borrowed from mourning attire, and that black, a color reserved only for those who had lost a loved one, began to become a popular color in the mainstream fashion world. 

I find it sad that this ritual of taking time to outwardly mourn our deceased has faded away. Maybe we are a culture that celebrates the lives of our dead instead rather than laments they are no longer with us. Maybe we are becoming a more present and aware people. 

If you have the chance go see Death Becomes Her at the MET Museum. It runs until February 1, 2015.

My costume design for the fall show at Rutgers has opened to the public. If you are in the New Brunswick area stop by Mason Gross School of the Arts and see the show. 

Having completed my first costume design in my MFA program, I am exhausted but itching for another project. The other designers were easy to work with and I feel my design helped to compliment their choices and amazing designs. It felt great to be part of a team that created such a beautiful stage picture. 
It was a big learning experience for me. I was thrown into a pull show without knowing the stock of the new costume shop, in a place I had never worked, in a city I had never been to. It was such fun though. I was introduced to New York City through the show. I learned where the fabric shops were, where the vintage shops are, and a where some delicious cafes are located.
I'm excited to see what is next on my design to do list. Check back later to see my updated portfolio with photos from Love and Intrigue.