Robin Newell

Costume Shop Manager

(805) 928-7731 ext. 3118

PCPA (since 2002):  The WolvesGidion’s Knot, Trying, Other Desert Cities36 Views, Spring Awakening, Clybourne Park, Yankee Ciudadano, Private Lives

Other Theatres:  Utah Shakespearean Festival, First Stage Children’s Theater, Center Theatre Group, The Theatre Company

TV/Film:  Zoolander, The Drew Carey Show, Cybill

Teaches:  Costumes

Training:  BA, California State University; MFA, University of Wisconsin-PTTP

Teaching Philosophy

There is more than one right way to accomplish almost anything. We are never finished learning those ways, especially in as unique and ever-changing an environment as theatre. I am still continually learning and inspired, not only by my colleagues, but also by my students. As an instructor, I am responsible for more than a product from the costume shop. Here we create both art and artists. Because I feel that theatrical costuming requires rigorous hands-on learning, I am grateful for the generous amount of time shared with students in the shop, being able to make the most of each ones strengths and discovering their individual learning needs. Besides developing fundamental technical skills, I expect my students to develop an understanding of the process and to know why certain steps are taken. This includes exploring the roles and relationships between various members of the costume production team and gaining a basic understanding of the principles of costume design and technology and the purpose that costumes serve in a production. I hope that my students will gain the ability to critique and appreciate costumes in any given production, becoming more attentive students and better-educated audience members. I am committed that my students will learn technical costuming skills that will enable them to be useful and efficient collaborators in all departments here at PCPA and in their future endeavors.