Another group of eager students took advantage of a workshop at Main Stage Creative Community Center last week, working with craft foam to make colorful costumes and accessories.
Maggie Asmus led the class, sharing talent and enthusiasm for cosplay, the art form of dressing up as a movie, book or video game character. “This medium is very easy to work with,” she said. “It’s great for costumes, with a lot of color at your fingertips.”
Maggie began developing her cosplay skills just a few years ago, but the pieces fell into place quickly for her. “I’ll compete at conventions, and work on a costume for four or five months,” she said. “The competition rewards all the hard work.” Despite her youth, (she home-schools as an 11th-grader) Maggie has already brought home awards.
Her artistic career got a big boost during the production of Willo Mancifoot the Musical, where she created fanciful hats and other props. “That was a big change for me,” she said. “After that, I really knew I could do this.”
Her experience on the Willo set also focused her on another goal. “I really want to teach,” she said, specifically in art education. She was delighted that the weeklong workshop at Main Stage went well, and plans another workshop during the school year, either on weekends or after school.
Another recent week-long workshop taught cutout animation. Students had top-level instruction and sophisticated equipment at their disposal as they assembled storyboards and planned how to bring paper shapes to life.
Valerie Hubbard Damon, a Main Stage board member, said more sessions like these would come to Main Stage, as the board looks for more ways to use this special space. In addition to educational programs for youth, Main Stage has hosted local theatre productions.
Donations of time, money, or material will help expand the mission of Main Stage. Volunteers have been essential to development of the theater, and continued efforts will help this building grow as a community resource. Board member Mark Mattmiller gave his phone number, (479) 981-0513, as a contact for anyone interested in helping.
Upcoming Main Stage events will appear in the Independent.