Elsa Hiltner - Costume Designer

LUMINOUS FIELDS

2012-02-16T20:23:00.000-06:00

I created the costume design for Luminous Fields, an interactive video installation designed by Luftwerk.

'UNNECESSARY FARCE' VIDEO

2012-02-07T13:35:00.000-06:00

Get a sneak peak of Unnecessary Farce at First Folio Theatre - watch this video on Stage Channel!

Unnecessary Farce plays at First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook, IL February 1-March 4, 2012.

EAST OF BERLIN & THE RUSSIAN PLAY

2011-11-14T12:29:00.004-06:00

East of Berlin and The Russian Play has been one of my favorite productions to design. This is the first time these two one-act plays, written by Hannah Moscovitch, have been produced together on the same bill. When Ronan Marra (director) gave me the scripts I was immediately taken with the stories' similarities. The narrators played nearly identical story-telling roles, the three characters in both plays had complementary characteristics, and the two plays had many overlapping themes.

Since these two plays were not originally written to share billing, I wanted to use my costume design to unite the two, create visual ties between the characters and themes of the plays, and make a cohesive production.

East of Berlin is set in Paraguay and then Germany, also moving in time from the 1960s to 1970s. The Russian Play takes place in 1920's Russia. Using these constraints of time and place, I designed costumes for each one-act that would "mirror" the corresponding characters in the other. This is much easier to explain visually:

East of Berlin and The Russian Play have been extended at Signal Ensemble Theatre, and now close on December 18th.

...more production photos to come!

Sarah and Rudi in East of Berlin

Sonya and Piotr in The Russian Play

BE A GOOD LITTLE WIDOW

2011-10-14T10:33:00.002-05:00

Some production photos from Be A Good Little Widow by Bekah Brunstetter at Collaboraction.

'AFTERMATH' Reviewed by VARIETY

2010-11-24T14:58:00.001-06:00

Signal Ensemble's Aftermath was reviewed in Variety earlier this week!

Aftermath is currently running at Signal Ensemble through January 23, 2011. For my post on the show when it first opened in May, click here!

And here are some more reviews of the fall remount:
Review: Aftermath/Signal Ensemble by Brian Hieggelke for NewCity
Review: 'Aftermath': Internal Implosion Results in a Super Nova! by Kate Walsh for TheFourthWalsh.com

ALGORITHMS - THE DANCE CENTER

2010-09-24T08:24:00.003-05:00

I designed costumes for Algorithms, a piece devised by Paige Cunningham and Erin Feiler at Columbia College Chicago's Dance Center in May.

Algorithms focused on the mutual influence humans and technology have upon each other and the tension that arises from that relationship. I designed costumes made of clear vinyl with accents of El Wire.

Photos by William Frederking

PROJECT SUBWAY PRESS

2010-09-24T07:09:00.000-05:00

In July I designed 8 runway looks made out of Subway materials like sandwich wrappers and cookie bags, and my designs have gotten a lot of press!

Check out the press release that Subway released, and here are a few links:

Subway Sandwich Wrapper Dresses at 'Project Subway' Show in Chicago on Stylelist.com

Recycled Wrapper Dresses on Trendhunter.com

Subway Recycles Its Packaging Into High Fashion on The Consumerist

'1001'

2010-08-28T17:11:00.010-05:00

1001, written by Jason Grote, opens at Collaboraction September 12th.

Based on the stories of the Arabian Nights, 1001 is an intriguing mix of ancient storytelling, conflicts in the Middle East, and modern pop culture.

Publicity photos by Saverio Truglia
Special thanks to my assistant Kristen Ahern!

Updated 9/24/2010:
Reviews are out for 1001!

Scheherazade Conspiracy at Play, by Katy Walsh for TheForthWalsh.com
"Dressing it up, Elsa Hiltner designed costumes to convert time periods by discarding or adding a layer."

Collaboraction Basks in the Glow of 'Arabian Nights,' by Hedy Weiss for The Chicago Sun-Times

'1001' By Collaboraction Theatre: Keep Your Heads, Storytellers, by Chris Jones for The Chicago Tribune

Review: 1001/Collaboraction, by Monica Westin for NewCity
"It’s also an incredibly hip production, with deconstructive metatheater, a strong Hitchcock influence, and striking stage pictures..."

1001, by Kris Vire for TimeOut Chicago

A Breathtaking Testament to the Power of Storytelling, by Oliver Sava for ChicagoTheaterBlog.com

1001 - Collaboraction, by Beverly Friend for ChicagoCritic.com

1001, by John Dalton for CenterStage

PROJECT SUBWAY

2010-07-26T20:04:00.004-05:00

I designed 8 runway looks for Subway's Annual Franchise Meeting all created from Subway materials - sandwich wrappers, branded tote bags, soup cups, cookie bags... and to-go salad plates, like the dress above!

Many thanks to my wonderful assistants - Amy Hilber, Kelly Coll, Kelsey Rhodes, and Stephanie McNair!

'TWELFTH NIGHT' - Jeff Recommended

2010-07-14T18:18:00.015-05:00

Twelfth Night opened last weekend at First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook, IL.

Director Michael Goldberg set the production during the British Raj in India. I was really excited to design costumes for this concept. It was very similar to a design concept I developed for a college paper-project in 2005. (I set A Midsummer Night's Dream in 18th century India - the "human" world was the insulated/isolated British government and the "fairy" world was the real world of India outside the government buildings.)

I took costume inspiration from historical research ranging between 1880-1900 for my designs of Twelfth Night. I used a range of years because I felt that strict historical accuracy was far less important that creating the right mood for each character for this production. This range allowed me to use the garment details, silhouettes, and styles that fit each individual character and scene; and that flexibility lent a lot to the design.

Duke Orsino costume sketch

I was very careful to be culturally sensitive while designing and creating these costumes. This sensitivity began with using accurate historical research to backup each design choice, seeking out individuals with personal experience wrapping and wearing saris in a variety of styles, and drafting many patterns used for most of the garments worn on stage for the production.

I also used the two cultures' clothing styles to further the story of the play and give some extra depth to the characters. The most noticeable example of this is my design for Olivia's costumes. Her first costume was a very traditional English mourning gown - high collar, stiffly buttoned up, in the deep purple color of 'Western' mourning. As she falls in love with an Indian, Cesario, and comes out of mourning, she begins to wear clothing that is less rigorously British and hints at Indian style until she has completely melded the two styles into one ensemble.

Olivia costume sketch - her final look

Twins Sebastian and Viola (dresses as 'Cesario') with Olivia and Orsino

Here are some reviews of the production:

Colonial India is the Setting for a Skilled and Sensitive 'Twelfth Night' by Kerry Reid for the Chicago Tribune:

"Keller's Olivia moves from constricted Victorian mourner to a woman set free by unexpected passion, expressed by the sarilike costume she dons in the second act (Elsa Hiltner's threads are a highlight)..."

A Few Flaws Mar Bard's Playful 'Twelfth Night,' by Barbara Vitello for the Daily Herald:

"It's a pretty, pleasant production and the credit rests in part with Goldberg and First Folio's talented artistic team."
"...the setting does showcase the most ethnically diverse cast I've seen on this Oak Brook stage, as well as Elsa Hiltner's comely period costumes. "

'Twelfth Night' by Joe Stead for SteadStyle Chicago:

"...exotic and colorful costumes by Elsa Hiltner..."

Review: 'Twelfth Night'/First Folio, by Oliver Sava for Chicago Theater Blog:

"From a design perspective, Twelfth Night is spectacular, with the Eastern-inspired costumes and sets creating a beautiful environment for Shakespeare’s comedy to unfold in. "

Review: 'Twelfth Night'/First Folio, by Dennis Polkow for NewCity Stage

'Twelfth Night' by Keith Griffith for The Chicago Reader

Special thanks to my incredibly helpful assistants Jessica Trier and Page Domikaitis!

Production photos thanks to David Rice.

'AFTERMATH'

2010-05-23T13:00:00.010-05:00

Aftermath is a new play about founder of the Rolling Stones Brian Jones' life, work, and early death written and directed by Signal Ensemble's Ronan Marra.

I designed costumes for the show, including portrayals of George Harrison, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg, and, of course, Brian Jones.

The play is narrated by Brian Jones and seems to come from his memories. I wanted to limit costume changes, especially for Brian. I often feel that too many costume changes in memory plays can be distracting to the story. I chose key scenes and moments for the characters to change costume based on how necessary the costume was to the storytelling.

Costume designs for Brian Jones

One set of costumes that I felt was very important to the storytelling was Anita Pallenberg's ensembles. Costume was the perfect way to underscore Anita's relationships with Brian Jones and Keith Richards.

Anita Pallenberg's while seeing Brian Jones (left) and while with Keith Richards (right)

Costume designs for Keith Richards

Aftermath sold out the entire run just three days after opening! Luckily, we're remounting the production in November- so if you missed it you can get your tickets here.

Reviews:

"The lighting by Mark Hurni, costumes by Elsa Hiltner, sound by Anthony Ingram, props by Mary O'Dowd and videos by Jack Newell are just the icing on the cake of a production that has every detail covered." -Aftermath by Alan Bresloff for SteadStyle Chicago

'Aftermath' by Signal Ensemble: They've Got The Rolling Stones Under Their Thumbs by Chris Jones for The Chicago Tribune

'Aftermath' is Signal Ensemble's Jukebox Musical That Nails a Tricky Genre by Chris Jones for The Chicago Tribune

Review: 'Aftermath'/Signal Ensemble by Neal Ryan Shaw for Theatre for Newcity

'Aftermath' by Tom Williams for Chicago Critic

'Aftermath' at Signal Ensemble Theatre by John Beer for TimeOut Chicago

Life of Brian - A Rolling Visionary by Scotty Zacher for The Chicago Theatre Blog

Signal Ensemble Shows the 'Aftermath' of Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll by Jonathan Grabinsky for The Maroon

MANIFEST 2010 STREET TEAM

2010-04-29T20:09:00.005-05:00

Photo by Christopher Smith for the RedEye

I created the Spectacle Street Team for Manifest 2010 at Columbia College Chicago, and they were featured in the RedEye today!

Aside from designing their costumes, I created the Spectacle Street Team Ensemble, auditioned the performers, and, with the help of director Ann Boyd and the Spectacle Shop, planned their performances.

For more photos click here!

'JEEVES IN BLOOM' - Jeff Recommended!

2010-01-31T10:59:00.006-06:00

Jeeves In Bloom opened last night at First Folio Theatre in Oak Brook, and has been Jeff Recommended!

Jeeves looks over Gussie Finknottle and Bertie Wooster

Check back for more photos and sketches soon!

AFTER DARK AT THE ART INSTITUTE - KONSTANTIN GRCIC - DECISIVE DESIGN

2009-12-03T17:29:00.008-06:00

I've designed costumes for Collaboraction at the Art Institute of Chicago's After Dark at the Art Institute - Konstantin Grcic - Decisive Design coming up on Friday, December 11th.

The event was featured on Time Out Chicago's blog. Check out the photos.

'GIFT'

2009-11-12T12:12:00.004-06:00

GIFT, a new devised work by Sam Porretta, opens November 16th at Collaboraction. Previews begin tonight!

Use promo code 130 to get tickets at Collaboraction.org

Photos by Saverio Truglia

AFTER DARK AT THE ART INSTITUTE - MODERN ART WING

2009-10-04T11:59:00.006-05:00

I designed costumes for the Art Institute of Chicago's After Dark at the Art Institute with Collaboraction.

The event was on Friday, October 2 - and here's a promo video for the event, featuring the costumes that my assistants and I created.

A very special thanks to Assistants Kelly Coll and Kelsey Rhodes!

'THE CASTLE OF OTRANTO'

2009-10-01T17:35:00.002-05:00

The Castle of Otranto, the theatrical adaptation by David Rice of the novel by the same name, is opening October 3rd at First Folio Theatre.

Here are a few costume sketches:

Matilda, Manfred's unwanted daughter, falls tragically in love with Theodore.

Manfred is ruled by a curse that was put upon his family.

Bianca, Jacques, and Diego - the bumbling, saucy servants.

NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE FEATURES 'EL GRITO DEL BRONX'

2009-09-05T10:54:00.006-05:00

Last Tuesday's New York Times included an article on Collaboraction's money-back guarantee for their latest show El Grito del Bronx.

A Chicago Production Lures the Wary with a Money-Back Guarantee by Erik Piepenburg for the New York Times, September 1, 2009

This photo, taken by Saverio Truglia, was included with the article.

PRINTERS' BALL

2009-08-02T17:48:00.002-05:00

Columbia College Chicago's Center for Book and Paper Arts hosted this year's Printers' Ball.

Columbia's Spectacle Shop worked closely with the Center for Book and Paper Arts to create an overall look for the event that would greet attendees when they entered the building and stay with them as they roamed the multiple floors the event covered.

I designed these two Rococo style dresses and created them out of paper with the help of Columbia's Spectacle Shop and stitcher Kelsey Rhodes.

Here's a video interview from Amy Guth from ChicagoNow with the two ladies who wore the gowns for the event - Sarah-Jean Benjamin and Mari Provencher.

Paper Dresses at Printers Ball from Amy Guth on Vimeo.

Printers' Ball video featuring the paper gowns
More detail photos to come!

'EL GRITO DEL BRONX' - Jeff Recommended!!

2009-07-12T15:02:00.010-05:00

I've designed costumes for El Grito del Bronx, opening this week at The Goodman's Owen Theatre. El Grito del Bronx is being produced by Collaboraction and Teatro Vista, in conjunction with The Goodman Theatre.

This is the world premier of Migdalia Cruz's dramatic play. As Lulu prepares for her wedding, she reflects on her violent and abusive childhood, and the events that have drawn her and her brother, Papo, apart.

For tickets visit Collaboraction.org! The show runs July 17th through August 2nd.

View the online program.

Here are some reviews:

'El Grito del Bronx' by Hedy Weiss for The Chicago Sun-Times

'El Grito del Bronx' a Mixed Bag by Chris Jones for The Chicago Tribune

'El Grito del Bronx' by Kris Vire for TimeOut Chicago

'El Grito' Can't Quite Imbue Its Bloody Violence With Meaning, by Kerry Reid for The Chicago Reader

'El Grito del Bronx' (In English) by Randy Hardwick for ChicagoCritic.com

And, here are a few video clips from the production:

MANIFEST 2009 - RAY BRADBURY COSTUMES

2009-06-25T10:57:00.011-05:00

As part of Columbia College Chicago's NEA Big Read grant, I designed costumes for characters from Ray Bradbury's novels, short stories, and film scripts. Below are a few publicity photos from Columbia's Manifest.

My design for Ray Bradbury's Something Wicked This Way Comes, the Dust Witch with Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway.

The Dust Witch from Something Wicked This Way Comes.

Clarisse from Fahrenheit 451

RAY BRADBURY AND MANIFEST 2009

2009-05-21T20:35:00.008-05:00

Ray Bradbury was Columbia College Chicago's 2009 Honorary Degree Recipient. In conjunction with Columbia College's National Endowment for the Arts Big Read grant, I designed and created 18 costumed characters from Bradbury's novels, short stories, and screen plays with Columbia's Spectacle Build Shop.

These costumed characters participated in Manifest, Columbia College Chicago's end of the year arts festival.

Here is a video interview with Ray Bradbury, featuring many of my design sketches.

Special thanks goes to:
Jennifer Friedrich, Columbia College Chicago Manifest Artistic Director
Joy Dennis, Columbia College Chicago Spectacle Build Shop Manager, Sculptor
Jesarae Richards, Manifest Painter

THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS- BIG READ COSTUMES

2009-05-21T19:52:00.006-05:00

Columbia College Chicago won one of The National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read grants this year. As part of Columbia College's program to promote reading, using Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, I designed and created 18 costumed characters from Bradbury's novels, short stories, and screenplays with Columbia College's Spectacle Build Shop. The characters participated in Columbia College's end of the year arts festival - Manifest.

Columbia College's Big Read program and the costumes that I created were featured on the NEA's blog:
'Into the Fire', The Big Read Blog, May 18, 2009

Ray Bradbury is my favorite author, and it was a dream to design and build costumes for the characters from his books!

The characters included:
The Dust Witch from Something Wicked This Way Comes
Mr. Dark from Something Wicked This Way Comes
Will Halloway from Something Wicked This Way Comes
Douglas Spaulding from Dandelion Wine
The Ice Cream Suit from the play of the same name
The Illustrated Man from the short story collection of the same name
Spaceman from a short story in The Illustrated Man
Montag from Fahrenheit 451
Clarisse from Fahrenheit 451
5 other Firemen from Fahrenheit 451
Little Nemo from Little Nemo in Slumberland
Ylla from The Martian Chronicals
2 other Aliens from The Martian Chronicals

And photos will follow shortly!

Special thanks to:
Jennifer Friedrich, Columbia College Chicago Manifest Artistic Director
Joy Dennis, Columbia College Chicago Spectacle Build Shop Manager, Sculptor
Jesarae Richards, Manifest Painter

'KATTYWAMPUS' - SKETCHBOOK 2009

2009-05-04T19:59:00.003-05:00

Here's a video clip of Kattywampus from Collaboraction's SKETCHBOOK 2009. Kattywampus was devised by actor/choreographer Joseph Ravens. I created the spandex pouch unit that he wore for the piece.

'PARA CARMEN' VIDEO - SKETCHBOOK 2009

2009-05-02T20:05:00.003-05:00

Para Carmen was devised by Sandra Delgado for Collaboraction's SKETCHBOOK 2009. I designed and built the period costumes.