Patricia Spilecki, Costume Designer
What does being a costumer entail?
Getting a sense from what the director(s) want, finding patterns to fit the design ideas/time period, doing research (attending other performances, watching videos, etc.). First I comb through Community Little Theatre's treasure trove of costumes. I shop Goodwills and Salvation Armies across the state looking for the perfect pieces to use or alter. I fabric hunt, visiting Marden’s just about every other day. I go with director(s) to other theater companies to borrow costumes. For Shrek we borrowed/rented from Portland Players and Point Sebago. A big thank you to both organizations for their generosity!
When/How did you learn to sew?
My mother, Julie Landry, taught me when I was young. I think 4th grade is when she "helped" me sew my first outfit. I worked for the theater department in the costume shop at Providence College for a work study job in college and got involved in theater then, albeit, all back stage.
How long have you been involved with CLT?
The first show I costumed for was "To Kill A Mockingbird". I costumed "Spamalot" and helped with a few costumes for "The Crucible" and "Gypsy".
What's life like outside of the theater?
I am the mother of two daughters, Rachel and Becca, who were both heavily involved in both high school and college theater productions. I'm a high school special education teacher at Lewiston High School and an instructor in Lewiston Academy, an afterschool alternative education program. I teach summer school as well, so fitting everything in this summer has been a challenge! I collect vintage clothing and patterns too!
What was the most challenging show you have ever costumed?
Hmmm, toss-up between Spamalot and Shrek. Both have unique challenges and idiosyncrasies. Both needed custom made pieces as audiences expect that.
If you could have dinner with a character from a show, who would it be and why?
Sally Bowles from "Cabaret" She was a strong woman who made her way in the world the best she could, given her circumstances. A second would be Atticus Finch, from "To Kill a Mockingbird', because the character epitomizes for me what it means to be honest and fair regardless of race or economic status.
What's your favorite kind of show to costume? Musicals? Straight-shows? Period pieces?
Period pieces can be fun because there’s so much research to do and the chance to work with vintage clothing and accessories is a thrill. I have had the opportunity to costume a bit of each between college, helping out with Center Stage Ensemble Lewiston High School's theater group, and CLT.
How has being a part of the CLT community affected your life?
I have gotten a chance to meet people who I probably would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. Working in the gym as opposed to upstairs has given me an insight into all aspects of theater production beyond just costumes....I like to help out with props when I can!
Do you have any crazy stories from late nights working on at the theater?
For this production, it was experiencing and rescuing “Adam West". Since CLT is in an older building, bats can get in. Before Shrek, I had never seen a bat. Apparently during "Prelude to a Kiss", a bat was seen on the day the actor Adam West passed. In his memory and honor the bat was named after him. I saw "Adam" for the first time on Wednesday, August 2nd when I was working at 11 pm. He flew by a few times. On Thursday, August 3rd I was there working at 5pm and "Adam" flew by several times, about eye level height. I spotted him several times hanging on the walls around the gym. When I was calling it a night, I went to pick up my equipment to leave; "Adam" was on a costume on the bench near where I was working. I picked him up with a plastic bag - he didn't move much, most likely he was very dehydrated. I brought him outside and put him on the ground. I returned for my belongings and a water bottle. Outside again, I poured water into the lid of the water bottle and got close enough to the bat to have it drink some. Before I departed, I left the bottle on its side so Adam could get more water.
Why do you think that community theater is an asset to our communities?
The theater provides so many opportunities for people to share their artistic/performance/musical talents with others. Sadly, many art programs (performance, visual, music) are not available or have limited budgets within school settings. Community Theaters allow for people of all ages to participate and enjoy. Theaters enrich communities. The arts are growing in Lewiston and Auburn. Community Little Theater has been a cornerstone and continues to be a bright example of quality theater.
What does being a Lighting Designer entail?
When I discovered an interest in light design, I spent much of my time at the Bates College library, reading most of the light design literature and applied it directly “on the job” for many years. In my case, I did not have a mentor. The sense for lighting came on the job as a musician, starting in 1964.
How long have you been involved with CLT?
My inaugural production for CLT in 1989, Brighton Beach Memoirs, won the prize for best production.
What's your life like outside of the theater?
The phrase “choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” applies to my work at the Franco Center. Although I’m retired from the State of Maine, I started full-time employment at the performing arts center in 2003, immediately after retirement. I have also been the production director for Lewiston High School since 1988. And I’ve done some one-off lighting gigs for Disney, State Theater and other venues.
What other roles do you fulfill at the theater?
Other than light design, I’m also one of the theater’s set designers, carpenters, production directors and a member of the Board of Directors since 1989.
What was the most challenging show you have ever lighting designed and why?
In general, musicals are the most demanding, given the multiplicity of locations and the number of required instruments in order to establish those locations and at the same time, contribute in the storytelling.
Have you ever acted onstage? Would you?
I had my stage debut in 1971 as Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar in the parish hall of St. Mary’s Church where I’m currently employed. In the late ‘80’s, I was President of the Stage Master’s Company. During that time period, I did have a lead role as John Proctor in the Crucible. I have acted on the CLT stage on one occasion, leaving the name of the show for the guessing.
If you had to have the soundtrack to a musical stuck in your car's CD player, which show would you want it to be?
Many might know the answer to this one: Les Miserables. I played the soundtrack just the other day during load-in of our next production at the Franco Center.
How has being a part of the CLT community affected your life?
CLT has sustained my avocation since 1989, and important in securing my current position at the Franco Center. I’m grateful to all its members who also contribute to the health and longevity of our theater
Why do you think that Community Theater is an asset to our communities?
Our patrons are given an opportunity to choose live theater for their recreational needs. And this opportunity has been made available to them since the early 40’s. CLT has also been an incubator of learning for anyone interested in the theater, onstage or offstage. Our theater has launched professional careers for some of our members and sustained avocations for others, including myself.
What are some of the responsibilities of the Box Office Manager?
The biggest responsibility of the Box Office is ticket sales - either for each show individually or by the season. Before each performance, I also make sure the tickets and the playbills are printed.
How did you initially get involved with CLT?
My niece was involved with their production of Once on this Island. She had so much fun that she convinced my son to participate in the upcoming summer youth production of Seussical Jr. He continued doing the summer program, and with each show I would help out more and more. Some shows I did costumes, props, producing, headshots, posters, and playbills. Eventually, I started helping in the office.
What's your life like outside of the theatre?
Busy! In addition to CLT, I work at the Lewiston Middle School and Wal-Mart.
Do you attend many of CLT's productions? What have been a few of your favorites?
Very rarely do I miss a show. A couple of my favorites would have to be Jekyll & Hyde and The Addams Family.
What are some of the biggest challenges associated with your work at the theatre?
I would have to say the biggest challenges for me are when technology fails, either one of the printers stops working, or the network is down.
Ever thought about acting onstage?
YES ;)
Any productions coming up at the theatre that you're excited about?
I always look forward to watching the kids in the summer program. Shrek should be entertaining as well!
How has being a part of the CLT community affected your life?
I have met many interesting people and made some good friends here!
Do you have any fun stories about the theatre that you'd like to share?
I have set the alarm off because the director didn't know I was in the office and armed it! So now I make sure to leave before the director, or I make sure they know I'm still there!
Why do you think that theatre is an asset in our communities?
I believe that theatre gives people an escape from the "real" world - either by watching from the audience or performing onstage. I have seen people come out of their shell while onstage. It is quite enjoyable to watch someone act completely opposite of how you know them.
