For Virginia Stage Company’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the iconic coat is more than just a colorful costume. It’s a piece of the community.
Costume Designer Jeni Schaefer and Costume Shop Manager Meg Murray created the coat using quilted fabric pieces called tumblers, carefully arranged to give the garment its vibrant color and movement on stage. But the most meaningful part of the design came from the people who visit the Wells Theatre.
Throughout the season, audience members, staff, and members of the Hampton Roads community were invited to write their dreams on pieces of fabric in the theatre lobby. Those dreams were then stitched directly into Joseph’s coat.
The result is a costume that represents the hopes, humor, and imagination of the community that makes Virginia Stage Company possible.
Watch the video below to hear Jeni and Meg talk about the inspiration and process behind creating this one-of-a-kind Dreamcoat.