Behind the hair: a look at the Department of Theatre and Drama's latest production

There is more to the musical than actors and actresses. It takes the aid of many people to create a successful production.

“This entire show has been one giant challenge,” said Colleen Alexis Metzger, a third-year master of fine arts student in theater with an emphasis in costume design. 
Metzger took on the role of creating the costumes for the musical “Hair,” which the Department of Theatre and Drama has been preparing for the last few months. 

Set to open Oct. 7 at the Ruth N. Halls Theatre, “Hair” takes place in the United States in the late 1960s. It focuses on the Vietnam anti-war movement and aspects of hippie culture, including drug use and relaxed attitudes toward sex and clothing styles. Alexis Metzger said attire appropriate to the time period is essential in order to develop the desired setting for “Hair.”

With only 22 cast members throughout the entire performance, multiple speedy costume changes are required. In order to have these changes go flawlessly, the help of others is key. The costume designers, set builders, lighting and sound crews and stage crews must work as a team,  Metzger said.

The planning for “Hair” began last spring, and after hours of preparation, the production team has determined ways to make the complex play work seemlessly.
Complete with a three-tiered scaffolding on stage for an “active play space,” weeks of practicing a successful 40-second costume change by a performer playing multiple roles, and a variety of props, Metzger said she knows “Hair” is now ready to be seen by an audience.

Student tickets are available for $15 and regularly priced tickets for $25. For ticket information, visit www.indiana.edu/~thtr/productions/tickets.shtml or contact the box office at 812-855-1103.

Visit the IDS Photo page to see backstage shots of the production of "Hair."