Photo by René Treece Roberts of Luxe House Photographic (luxehousephotographic.com) 2015 “Christmas in July” category. Designers, Danielle Chaboudy & Sue Ellen Black
Asheville Community Theatre Presents “Costume Drama: A Fashion Show”
By Teryn Worsham
On Friday, July 8, Asheville Community Theatre (ACT) will present their signature fundraiser, “Costume Drama: A Fashion Show.” More than just a show, the event is also a competition, exhibiting the creative work of both new and experienced designers.
Director Sara Fields says the idea to combine fashion and theater was conceived as an effort to reach a wider audience. Since its inception five years ago, “Costume Drama” has grown exponentially, attracting entrants from our region and beyond.
Audience members will judge the competition, which is divided into the four categories of “plastic,” “paper,” “light,” and—a new category this year—“artistic license,” which features pieces inspired by famous works of art. Ten designers will compete in each category and items will be created primarily from the chosen material. “‘Light’ obviously is a little more complicated,” says Sara, “but it’s all about under lighting fabric in a way that light is the thing that you see when you look at the piece.” There will be winners in each category as well as a “Best in Show” award.
“A lot of these presentations are very theatrical,” says Sara. Previous events have included categories such as “transformation,” which featured pieces that changed into something else during the runway walk, and “inflatables,” for which one costume inflated before exploding and releasing glitter. Last year, designers Danielle Chaboudy and Sue Ellen Black took the title “Best in Show” for their stunning gown created out of intricately beaded paper for the category “Christmas in July.”
This year’s event will be held next door to ACT at the Renaissance Hotel, 31 Woodfin Street in downtown Asheville. Cocktails, champagne, and a silent auction will take place at 6:00 p.m., with the fashion show beginning at 7:30 p.m. The auction will continue after the show and will offer some of the featured costumes. Tickets are $35 general admission and $50 for preferred seating. Plan on getting tickets early as this show is expected to sell out quickly.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ashevilletheatre.org, call 828.254.1320, or stop by the box office at 35 East Walnut Street in Asheville.
