Meet an Apprentice: Julianna Fielding

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Which apprenticeship are you part of at Olney Theatre and what does that position involve?

I am a space-loving, princess seams enthusiast who excels at forgetting to turn the iron on! I am one of the Wardrobe and Costumes Apprentices this year which means I assist and learn from the Costume Shop Supervisor, Assistant Shop Supervisor, and Wardrobe Supervisor on everything from garment construction to costume organization to long-term maintenance. Some of my favorite parts of the job so far have been constructing Grandma Tzeitel’s dress for Fiddler on the Roof and learning to assist with costume alterations and fittings. 

Tsaitami Duchicela as Grandma Tzeitel (left) and Howard Kaye as Tevye (right) in "Fiddler on the Roof" at Olney Theatre Center
Costume Design by Pei Lee
Photo: Teresa Castracane Photography

Why are you interested in this area of theatre? 

I’ve always been interested in telling stories and I believe clothing is transformative. I’m drawn to costuming because of the way it builds on an actor’s portrayal of a character. Costumes and actors work together to expose intimacies and invite viewers to step into a character’s perspective through their clothes. Clothing is accessible on a fundamental level and can help audience members bridge gaps to further understand a character they might not resonate with. So that’s why I’m drawn to costumes. I’m interested in the transformation of a character and a costume's ability to show change. 

What inspired you to get into theatre? 

I remember sitting in the audience as a middle schooler of a local high school’s production of Beauty and the Beast. I completely zoned out and missed (what I have a feeling was) a fabulous rendition of “Be Our Guest” because all I could think was “I want to be a part of this." I went on to perform and eventually teach in that same theatre program for the next sixteen years. It sounds cliche, but having a community to go back to that celebrates the desire to tell a story and growth through experience really reminds me why I want to do this. I think of the high schoolers telling a story to a little girl who realized she wanted to share that with everyone she could.

How would you describe yourself as an artist? 

Oh man. Endlessly curious? Eternally explorative? I’ve noticed in starting this apprenticeship that I jump at the opportunity to learn about anything from anyone, no matter the subject or department. I really like trying new styles and mediums and finding new sources to draw inspiration from. For a while, I was teaching elementary art to grades K-8, and it's fascinating what you learn from a person while teaching them. The big thing I learned was that sharing skills and helping others grow is really important to me. A community is its strongest when it raises each other up. As an artist, my creations are their best when I'm collaborating and sharing with others. 

Why do you want to pursue a career in the arts?

I'm a person who needs Something To Do™. And that something needs to be creative or hands-on or it will become Something I Must Do But Don’t Want To™ and that’s just chores. I’ve always thought of the creatives in terms of shapes. There are organic shapes and geometric shapes. I’ve always been drawn toward organic shapes and the feeling of smoothly and naturally forming them. That’s how the arts feel to me. Smooth and natural and exciting. So I want to be in a career where I am constantly asked to form new ideas and skills, where flexibility allows for unexpected creation and human connection through artistic mediums. That’s where the arts appeal to me.

What do you like to do outside of theatre?

Besides sinking into the abyss? I love to create and am often trying out new materials and methods. I’ve recently become enamored with block printing and carving. I tried gouache paint over the summer and I know I’ll be going back to that! I like to make my own clothes and I’ve discovered a love for teaching art and sewing in the past few years. I also enjoy cooking, something my parents and grandparents taught me growing up at their sides. And singing! I excel at private concerts in the shower and car. 

What is your favorite part of this apprenticeship so far?

I’ve really enjoyed the community here at Olney Theatre Center. I’ve got an incredible cohort of apprentices who are just as excited about their disciplines as I am and I’ve enjoyed living at a theater where I can walk over to shows on a whim or dissect a piece of theatre with like-minded individuals. I’ve also been impressed by the culture of the theater. I’m learning from people who are professional and accomplished but still find time to be a little silly and fun in down time. I need to be a little silly every day or I’ll die.