We are thrilled to honour Isabelle McGrath, our esteemed costume designer, as she retires after an incredible 23 year journey with John Curtin College of the Arts. Isabelle has been an integral part of our school community, bringing passion, creativity and a touch of magic to every production. Join us as we reflect on her remarkable career, celebrating the memories and the legacy she will leave behind.
A Journey of Passion and Creativity
Isabelle McGrath’s journey with John Curtin College of the Arts began in 2000, when she started as a volunteer. Over the years, she has grown with our College, witnessing its expansion from 1,200 students to nearly 2,000, and experiencing a tripling in the number of performances. Her dedication and talent have played a significant role in the evolution of the College’s costume department.
Reflecting on her career, Isabelle shares, “It is hard to recall the hundreds of shows and costumes I have been involved with over 23 years! I guess one of my most memorable times early on was working with the late Ray Omedei, a wonderful director from the Perth scene for many years.”
Memorable Productions and Collaborations
One standout memory for Isabelle was the 2004 debut drama production at the newly constructed Curtin Theatre, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” set around 1620. Working with Ray Omedei, Isabelle found joy in collaborating with such a talented artist. “Ray was a wonderful artist and sketched some delightful designs and then allowed me to collaborate with him, choose the fabrics, and run with it,” she recalls.
Another significant production was “The Way of the World,” a Comedy of Manners play, which introduced her to the complexities of creating Restoration era costumes. Isabelle fondly remembers being guided by Ray’s designs and the rich learning experience it provided.
These early experiences set the tone for Isabelle’s career, as she continued to collaborate with many talented directors and choreographers. She emphasizes, “Creating costumes to value add to a production is only a small part of a bigger picture which is rich with collaboration and a wealth of creative individuals.”
The Art of Costuming
Isabelle’s success in the costume department is a testament to her belief in the power of collaboration. She highlights the importance of her dedicated team of costumiers, saying, “I work with a team of dedicated costumiers, and I am very proud of the way that we all manage to create the magic of theatre as a group!”
For Isabelle, the role of a costumer is never static. It is a dynamic and challenging profession that demands creativity, adaptability, and continuous learning. She advises aspiring costumiers to seek training at a specialist performing arts tertiary institution, emphasizing that training is just the beginning. “Experience and more experience is what enriches and builds a career,” she says.
A Lasting Legacy
As Isabelle prepares to retire, she reflects on the growth and transformation of John Curtin College of the Arts. She takes pride in the improved facilities and the increased number of performances, but most of all, she cherishes the opportunity to be creative with like-minded people and to inspire young students.
“Seeing the delight as someone tries on a special costume to help them enhance their performance keeps on bringing me back year after year. It is all a deliciously exciting illusion!” Isabelle exclaims.
Her legacy at John Curtin College of the Arts will be remembered not only for her remarkable talent and creativity but also for her passion, dedication, and the joy she brought to students and colleagues alike.
Farewell and Best Wishes
As we bid farewell to Isabelle McGrath, we celebrate her incredible 23-year journey and the indelible mark she has left on our college. Her contributions to the costume department and the world of theatre have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her retirement and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work for years to come
Thank you, Isabelle, for all the memories and magic you have created.
