December 20, 2016
As part of its 100th anniversary in 2017, The Costumer has given a national internship in costuming to an outstanding Thespian. This partnership marks the first internship for the International Thespian Society. The 2017 internship has been awarded to Grace White of Troupe 6188 from Bothell High School in Bothell, Washington.
The Costumer, which provides costumes and accessories for more than 1,000 theatrical performances annually, will host White for two weeks in July 2017 at its headquarters in upstate New York. She’ll also spend a week backstage in New York City in September 2017 where White will meet costumers and crews and observe backstage at Broadway and Off Broadway shows. White will also join the International Thespian Officers, staff, and alumni at the Broadway Cares/EFA Flea Market and the Broadway Back to School 2017 Thespian alumni reunion event. In addition to these opportunities, White will receive a stipend and travel allowance.
“Since I have been in the costuming business for 42 years, and The Costumer is about to celebrate our 100th year, we wanted to give an opportunity to a student to further their career in costuming. We thought that partnering with the International Thespian Society was the best way for us to give back in celebration,” said Kathe Sheehan, president of The Costumer.
White, a senior at Bothell High School, was chosen for the original costume designs she submitted with her application. She plans to attend college in the fall of 2017 and major in art.
“One of my favorite artists, Maurice Sendak, ended up doing set and costume design for the Pacific Northwest Ballet Nutcracker, and seeing that has inspired me so much,” White said. “I am so excited to get out there and work with people who love their work and are using it to shape so many beautiful productions! I am honored to be chosen; it’s an opportunity I didn’t even know was possible.”
