Theatre VCU expands its cast

The theatre department has hired award-winning costume
designer Toni-Leslie James as director of costume.

James began designing costumes on Broadway in 1992.
Her first major production, “Jelly’s Last Jam,” earned her a
Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Costume Design and
a nomination for a Tony Award, the most recognized and
distinguished theater award in the country.

James said her job is not only to design costumes but
to use her experience to guide the next generation of
theater students.

“I am part of the VCU mandate to provide students with
the insight that can only come from working professionals
in their individual fields,” she said.

James will continue to work in her field apart from her
position at VCU, designing and even screenwriting for a
promising television pilot.

James’ other Broadway productions include “Footloose,”
“The Tempest,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold,” “King Hedley
II,” Ma Rainey’s “Black Bottom” and “One Mo’ Time.”

She was head costume designer for television serial drama
“As The World Turns” from 1995 to 1998 and has also
done work in children’s theater and for the Royal Court
Theatre in England.

The job of a costume designer is not an easy one,
James said. Aside from the scrutinizing stares, designers
are responsible for creating wardrobes based on hours of
research. They must delve into each character and create
clothing that suits the character’s social standing, economic
situation, attitude and personality.

According to James, in addition to understanding the
characters, the costume designer must understand the setting,
time frame, budget and manpower of the production.
Collaboration with the director, the production designer, the
lighting team and the makeup department are essential.

Balancing all of the responsibilities without sacrificing
creativity is crucial to creating a realistic wardrobe that adds
to the credibility of the performance, said David S. Leong,
chairman, professor and producer of Theatre VCU.

Leong praised James for her ability to combine the
director’s concept with historical accuracy and ingenuity
to create her costumes.

“She is imaginative, and she takes risks,” Leong said.
James said it is important for the students to make the
most of their time at VCU by making connections in the
industry as early as possible.

“In the increasingly competitive atmosphere of theatrical
programs across the country, it is vital that the students
have exposure and make contacts across the country,”
she said.

Theatre VCU credits itself with having faculty who
have distinguished themselves academically and professionally.

Leong said they take their expertise as theater veterans
and convey that to their students, who carry the torch.
Excellence is their goal, Leong said, and VCU has a faculty
that doesn’t settle for less.

“We are unwilling to accept mediocrity.”

—

Theatre VCU’s
upcoming shows:

“For Colored Girls Who
Have Considered Suicide
When the Rainbow Is Enuf”

Feb. 15-16, 21-23 at 7:30 p.m.

“Cabaret”

April 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 at
7:30 p.m.

April 13, 20 and 27 at 3:00
p.m.

For the full schedule, go to
www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/artweb/
theatre/07-08season1.
pdf

All shows are performed
at the Raymond Hodges
Theatre at the Singleton
Center for Performing Arts,
922 Park Ave.