From the "Ouachitonian": Christina Johnson
January 01, 2020The theatre arts were anything but monolithic, and the work required for making each production spectacular was never limited to just the actors on stage. Demonstrating the multifaceted quality of the theatre arts, Christina Johnson, visiting professor of theatre arts, drew upon her background in costume design to help students develop their craft as well-rounded artists.
Johnson joined the department of theatre arts one year ago upon earning her master’s degree from the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Originally from Little Rock, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Southern Arkansas University, where her background in studio art paved the way for her to discover her love for costume design. After completing graduate studies, Johnson went on to design costumes for dance, theatre and opera productions, where she had many valuable experiences.
Prior to Johnson’s arrival, the department of theatre arts had never had a permanent costume designer, which meant that there was no precursor to her position. She nevertheless began arranging things as she saw necessary. Johnson arranged to have a set of sewing machines and even a 3-D printer brought in. She, in addition to the students assisting her, also was an integral part of designing costumes and makeup for “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The Learned Ladies.”
“We made everything for ‘The Learned Ladies.’ Usually, it’s a mixture of borrowing and repurposing. But this show was so specific to my design concept that I was like, ‘Let’s do it,’” Johnson said. “And I had students sewing all the time. But we did it.”
Working closely with students was rewarding for Johnson. She began teaching costuming, theatre history and stage make up, as well as directing independent studies and working with student directors and designers on student-led productions.
“It was really love at first sight,” Johnson said. “And I really love the fact that we get to spend so much one on one time with the students, where we can really teach you something.”
Johnson emphasized creativity and versatility with her students, noting the benefits of being well-rounded in both the theatre arts and with any course of study.
“This one degree can take you 50,000 different places. You don’t have to do just one thing,” Johnson said. “You should never quit trying to do more with what we learn and with what we love.”
Johnson also taught Fine Art: Theatre courses, which gave her the chance to share the art of theatre with the rest of campus.
“We eat, breathe and sleep theatre. And it’s really amazing to share it with people that don’t,” Johnson said. “Sometimes when people see plays, they don’t really appreciate all the work backstage or the work that goes into it. And I think when you begin to understand that, you can appreciate the art as a whole.”
Through her background in costuming and design and her recent position as visiting professor, Johnson strived to develop the inherent creativity within every student she encountered.
“I am a firm believer that no matter who you are, no matter your background, you have some sort of creative ability. You have something. And for some people it’s makeup, and for some people it’s drawing,” Johnson said. “I love this idea of encouraging people to try.”
By Robert DeSoto
Photo by Andy Henderson
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