Crafting the Extraordinary: Collett Heenan’s Costume Designs in “Pericles” Dazzle

When Collett Heenan took on the challenge of designing costumes for her senior capstone project, she knew it would be an ambitious undertaking. What she didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would reaffirm her passion for costume design as a storytelling art form. A December graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Theatre: Design/Production, Heenan left a lasting impression on the FHU theatre community with her work.

For her capstone, Heenan designed and, with the assistance of a team of seamstresses, produced 43 intricate costumes for a cast of 17 in “Pericles,” a Shakespearean play rich with adventure, mystery and transformation. The production debuted in November to enthusiastic audiences, many of whom were captivated by the performances as well as the intricate and imaginative designs brought to life on stage.

(l to r) Luke Noles, Haley Hixson and Matt Moon in Pericles

“Costuming is storytelling through clothes,” Heenan explained. “Each costume is a piece of the character’s journey, and for ‘Pericles,’ I wanted to highlight the evolution of the story’s settings and the personal changes the characters undergo.”

A Journey of Creation and Collaboration

Heenan’s work began in June 2024 when she started conceptualizing the designs. Drawing inspiration from real-world cultures, folklore and the “Golden Age of fairytales,” she sought to infuse the costumes with layers of meaning. Her research led her down what she describes as a “rabbit hole,” where she gathered references from a wide range of sources, including Japanese mythology and satyrs from Greek folklore. “Pericles’ journey was as much a physical one as it was an interpersonal one,” Heenan said. “I wanted the costumes to reflect the transformations he experienced in each place he visited.”

The design and production process required Heenan’s focus. The process was demanding, but Heenan enjoyed the challenge. “It was one of the most intensive design experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “But seeing the world I imagined come to life on stage made every late night and every bit of research worth it.”

A Favorite Among Creations

(l to r) Seth Wilson, Jack Terry, Maci Cagle , John McLaughlin, N. Levi Secula and Drew Bramblett

Among the 43 costumes, one stood out as Heenan’s favorite: Pander’s. In the play, Pander is an unseemly character of low morale who runs a brothel with his wife. Heenan chose rich colors for his costume and accessories like dark glasses and a cane to reflect his decadent lifestyle.

“Without a doubt!” she said with a smile. “It was the closest to my vision, and every time the actor came on stage, I just fell in love all over again.” The costume’s execution, from its fabric choices to its intricate detailing, perfectly embodied the character’s essence and Heenan’s pride in the final product was evident.

Heenan finds inspiration among artists working in the field, including Nyssa Lee, a well-known costumer who began her career in cosplay and whom she considers a mentor and friend. “Getting to message her and learn from her experiences has been incredible,” Heenan said. “She’s helped me see what’s possible in this field.”

Looking Ahead

FHU student Collett Heenan's costume design for the character Pander in "Pericles"

Since graduating, Heenan has continued to follow her passion for costume design, and is pursuing various freelance jobs with theatre companies in the region while working as an administrative assistant at FHU.

“There’s something magical about bringing a story to life through costumes,” she reflected. “You’re creating a world that audiences can see, feel and connect with. It’s a form of storytelling that transcends words.”

As Heenan steps into her post-graduate life, she carries with her not only the skills she honed at FHU but also a deep love for the art of costuming. With each new design, she’s crafting more than just clothes—she’s crafting stories, one thread at a time.