Our People, Their Profile | Jenny Thurnau, Costume Shop Manager

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 our Costume Shop Manager, Jenny Thurnau, to learn more about her First Stage story. 

 

Since 2013, Jenny has been managing the Costume Shop at First Stage.

 

What are your day-to-day tasks as the Costume Shop Manager?

 

I schedule appointments for measurements and fittings, and I am the primary note-taker during fittings. During the technical rehearsal process, I am the liaison between the costume designer, wardrobe supervisor, and the actors.

 

How has First Stage affected you?

 

It is a lot of fun to see and get to know the young performers over time. I have enjoyed being able to watch them grow as performers and individuals. It’s inspiring to see young performers with no previous theater experience and who will barely say their name during their first costume shop appointment, end up with a significant role in one of our theater productions a season or two later.

 

What does the HOPE Fund mean to you and why should someone support it?

 

During the uncertainty of the past year, it is a relief to know that my co-workers and I have been able to continue making theater. It’s taken a different form and we’ve all had to adjust, but we’ve done it. First Stage has kept our hope alive and thriving.

 

Your gift to the HOPE Fund shows that you support First Stage and its staff, along with the communities and individuals impacted by our theater productions, theater academy classes, and educational programming.

 

Thank you to the Molitor Foundation for the generous matching grant!      

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.