Spring Awakening 2020
In the role of Head Cutter for The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts 2020 Production of Spring Awakening Tyler was able to lead a small team to create fifteen garments from that reflected 1890s Germany where the musical was set. Collaborating with design student Valentina Authelet Tyler drafted and graded a traditional gymslip pattern for the performers to wear whilst they played children. The silhouette is reflective of the conservative nature of the time. The gymslips required a significant amount of fabric per garment as the front features three box pleats and the back features four box pleats. The box pleats where then stitched down approximately thirty centre metres from the top of the pattern pieces which meant that the garments became slightly A line and the skirt part of the dress maintained fullness which allowed for intense dance choreography. Deep pockets were required in each garment to hold the microphones whilst performers were not using them. The belts being simply tacked at the centre front and side seams whilst being stitched down at the centre back opening was an important functional element as in one scene the school children all go wild and tuck their hems up into their belts.
In addition to the gymslips, Tyler drafted and led the construction of five period blouses for the adult female characters. The blouses each feature delicate pin tuck detailing, gathered sleeves and high necklines. To adapt the garment for theatre each blouses featured a press studded placket at the centre back so that the performers were able to quick change in and out of the garment through out the play. One of the performers blouses had a front placket, which was constructed carefully as to not stand out from the others. This was done, as she was required to rip open her blouses during one of the musical numbers.
Creating uniform looks proved to be a challenging yet satisfying experience as accuracy was required to ensure that there was a sense of unity on stage.
Designed by Valentina Authelet
Directed by Crispin Taylor
