Mackenzie is a Chicago based costume technician. Most recently, she worked as the First Hand on The Great Comet of 1812 at Writers Theatre. She has also served as a draper, stitcher, and Wardrobe Supervisor across various productions. Mackenzie currently works as the Wardrobe Supervisor at Northlight Theatre.
First Hand-Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
Writers Theatre 2024
Costume Designer-Raquel Adorno
Draper-Beth Uber
For this production, I cut and stitched five regency style lace overdresses. I also pinned in each fitting for the final dresses. Each dress was finished with a short separating zipper in the center front or a long zipper in the center back. The necklines and skirt openings are finished with a variety of lace hem tape, and appliqué cut from the dresses fabric.
Draper-Mystic Pizza
Tent Theatre 2024
Costume Designer-Leigh Anne Crandall
I began this dress by draping the bodice on a form, and drafting and altering a sleeve pattern. From the mockup fitting, I was able to adjust the pattern for the final dress. The final dress was made with a two-way stretch taffeta, with the stretch going up and down on the bodice. The skirt is three rectangular panels gathered from two time the measurement of the bottom of the bodice. The dress is finished with a lap zipper in the center back. Additionally, I put piping in the neckline of the dress, and pulled it in couple of inches on each side to prevent gaping.
First Hand-Beautiful
Tent Theatre 2024
Costume Designer-Eryn Brooks-Brewer
For this production, I built and altered dresses for the Shirelle's and Chiffon's numbers. The pink and sequin dresses were finished with a center back lap zipper and bias binding on neckline and armsceye. The shift dresses for the Chiffon's were cut from a commercial pattern, and during the fitting process we discovered that they were all too snug in the hips. I assisted in the fittings, and was able to insert triangle shaped panels into the side seams, and fix the fit of the dresses.
First Hand-The Duchess of Malfi
Illinois Wesleyan University 2023
Costume Designer-Beau Hamilton
Draper-Cass Huscher
In this process, I was an overhire First Hand for the University. My primary tasks were cutting out projects, and assigning them to student workers, assisting them with any questions they had. I also cut and built a lapel put onto a set of suspenders, and a leather caplet. For the lapel, I pattern matched the center back seam, and pad stitched the red lapel pieces along with non fusible interfacing to add shape and structure.
Sample Making/Draping
Apparalel 2022-2023
Designer-Miriam Maghen
In this position, I was given sketches along with rough measurements for length from the designer. I then used a combination of draping and pattern drafting to bring the sketch to life. Once a mockup of an item was complete, I would work with the designer to fine tune the fit and look of each garment. The designer then used these sample as references for clothing factories to produce her designs.