Our People, Their Profile | Michelle Pendzich, First Hand

This season has been like no other. In order to help First Stage endure the devastating financial effects of COVID-19, we created the special relief initiative—the HOPE Fund. Donations to the HOPE Fund will Help Our People Engage, Enlighten, Entertain, and Educate by supporting the talented First Stage staff who provide HOPE for thousands of young people and families. All charitable gifts made to the HOPE Fund before June 30, 2021 will be matched 1-to-1, up to $50,000—thanks to another generous matching gift from the Molitor Foundation.

 

First Stage had the chance to catch up with First Hand, Michelle Pendzich, to learn more about her First Stage story. 

 

Michelle has been with First Stage for eleven seasons.

 

What does a First Hand do?

 

As the First Hand, I work in the Costume Shop—taking the patterns from our Draper and the fabrics chosen by the Designer, and cut out and stitch costume garments so we’re ready to go for costume fittings. After those fittings, I alter the garments and finish any processes that need to be completed before they are seen onstage.

 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

 

I am a stepmom of two. I enjoy spending time doing fun activities with my family, as well as attending concerts, dinner parties and fitness classes with my friends.

 

How has working at First Stage affected you? 

 

First Stage has given me the opportunity to do what I love as a career. There aren’t many jobs, locally, where I can make a living creating custom garments from all time periods, real or imagined, human or otherwise. The variety makes every day exciting!

 

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you?

 

The HOPE Fund provides the First Stage staff the ability to maintain our livelihoods through this time of hardship and unpredictability. It breaks my heart that many theaters have shut their doors permanently over this past year. We cannot allow this to happen anymore.

 

Theater nurtures the emotional and social well-beings of the young audiences who see our productions. Our jobs in theater are real jobs that cost real money and while our stage is dark in this time, we need to keep moving forward—for the children we get to impact as well as for ourselves.

 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Paul Ruffolo Photography.