Jen Brown, a staff member who has worked at Viterbo for over 20 years, runs the costume shop for all of Viterbo’s shows. Jen graduated from Viterbo with a BFA in theatre design in 1999, and she took on a part-time job helping to create and design props for all Viterbo’s shows.
After her mentor, Jeff Stolz, passed away from cancer, Jen was asked to take the position of running the costume shop, which she could not decline. Jen says that she can still hear Jeff’s voice telling her, “Rip out that seam and make it perfect.”
Jen’s days start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. When asked about how she approaches a new show, she said the first step is always to design. This step takes plenty of time and tediousness.
Jen says her favorite part is doing the research of design. In her words, “I’m a total history nerd, so I really enjoy period shows and all the research that goes into them. Rendering the costume designs and construction is fun too, but research is my jam.”
Jen is quite passionate about her job and her craft. When asked how she approaches difficult and less minuscule problems in the costume shop, she replied that it is an important part of the process and leads to a better solution. “I tend to be a problem solver, so I don’t get too upset when needing to pivot, well, maybe I vent a little to whomever is next to me, but then I’m over it and on to finding a solution. Sometimes, the solution is even better than the original idea.”
Overall, Jen Brown brings a new and important artistry to the productions here at Viterbo. She brings a new and fresh taste to costume design. Her passion and strive for perfection show in every costume that she touches. Without her, Viterbo’s shows could not run as smoothly as they do.
Suggestion: Overall, Jen Brown aims to bring new and important artistry to the productions here at Viterbo. She strives to add a new and fresh taste to costume design and hopes her passion for perfection shows in every costume she makes.
