Behind the Curtain: A look into Theatre’s thriving costume lab

Friday, August 22, 2025

Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu

When thinking about labs at an R1 research institution like Oklahoma State University, science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines are typically top of mind. 

But those are far from all-encompassing. Tucked away on the second floor of the historic Gundersen Building is the Department of Theatre’s Costume Lab. 

A bustling workshop of fabric, thread, sewing notions and concept sketches, the costume lab is redefining career preparation for theatre students by combining structured coursework, technical training and real-world production experience. Whether students are stitching garments or managing backstage quick changes, every task contributes to the success of theatre’s productions. 

“My approach to mentoring is rooted in hands-on skill-building and learning by doing,” said Jason Estala, assistant professor of costume design. “I try to meet students where they are, whether they're threading a needle for the first time or building a full garment from scratch. I help them connect the technical skills to the broader purpose of storytelling through costuming.” 

This mentorship doesn't stop at the basics. Students are encouraged to collaborate, ask questions, problem solve and take risks. 

“My No. 1 goal in the costume lab is to encourage students to engage in critical thinking whenever possible,” said David J. Baxter, visiting assistant professor of costume production. “Another cornerstone of my mentorship method is explaining and understanding the why, not just the how. Understanding why we construct a dress in a certain order ... allows the students to engage in lateral thinking when working on other projects.”

OSU Theatre’s spring 2025 musical “Alice by Heart” challenged students to stretch their skills across costume design and fabrication, truly utilizing what they’d learned from their professors. 

“‘Alice by Heart’ was a defining moment for the costume lab this year,” Estala said. “The scale of the production was ambitious, with a blend of period-silhouettes, fantasy elements and transformative costume pieces that reflected the show’s setting in WWII London and the world of Wonderland.” 

Since joining the theatre department in 2020, Estala has led the design and creation of costumes that span from Civil War dresses and Shakespearian attire to clown wigs and even a purple leopard jumpsuit. All along the way, he and his fellow professors have given students the spotlight. 

“I always say [to the students], ‘I have my degrees. It’s your turn! It’s about getting your degrees,’” Estala said. “The shows are being built by them. ... That’s where they’re learning how the pieces work together — it’s a collaborative art.” 

The students, in turn, are quick to give Department of Theatre faculty and staff their flowers. 

“Working with Jason and David both over the last three years has really cemented my love of costuming,” theatre senior Livvy Higbee said. “They are both so patient and so full of knowledge of costuming. It’s been so fun, and I’ve learned so much.” 

In addition to sewing skills and critical thinking, students are taught professional readiness by creating individual sample books. Serving as both customized textbooks and visual portfolios, sample books ensure students graduate with tangible examples they can showcase along with their technical skills. 

“My goal is to continue working in costuming after college, so the lab has helped me prepare to work in my desired field,” Higbee said. “I have had the amazing opportunity to work on so many different projects and learn so many neat skills — such as corsetry — to help me grow as a burgeoning professional. 

“The work I’ve done in the costume lab has helped me create a robust portfolio to continue on into the professional world.” 

Through the professors’ and students’ dedication to the arts, the costume lab promises to continue nurturing generations of confident, creative graduates whose talents will be seen on stages and screens the world over. 

Story By: Kierstin Pigg | Photos By: Jason Wallace | casnews@okstate.edu