August 14, 2002

Em Rossi finds role with 'Lost Colony'

TC resident wardrobe stitcher with outdoor symphonic drama

By LISA PERKINS
Herald staff writer
       Em Rossi has become part of a special company - a company of actors, set designers, directors and costumers dedicated to the production of "The Lost Colony," an outdoor symphonic drama performed on Roanoke Island on North Carolina's outer banks. As part of the 65th production season, the Traverse City resident is working as a wardrobe stitcher for the company under the direction of Tony Award nominated actor Terrence Mann.
      "The Lost Colony" tells the story of 117 men, women and children who settled on Roanoke Island in 1587 and later vanished without a trace. The production, which includes scenes from the court of Queen Elizabeth I to 16th century villages on Roanoke Island, has been playing six times a week, May through August, since 1937.
      Although this is Rossi's first professional experience as a stitcher, the senior at Northern Michigan University got her start working on stage productions at Traverse City Central High School.
      "When I was taking drama we went to a thespian festival. Because I was late registering, the only division I could compete in was costuming. That's when I got addicted to it," Rossi said.
      Rossi did so well at the competition that a recruiter from Northern Michigan University approached her and offered her a scholarship and a chance to work as a costumer with the drama department.
      "I really like being able to start with scribbling a design on paper and then see it on an actor moving around on stage," she said.
      Though Rossi is not designing costumes for "The Lost Colony" production, she has spent countless hours fitting and repairing them alongside people like three-time Tony Award winner, William Ivey Long who has been the production designer for seven seasons.
      "It has been really nice to work with amazing people. I have learned so much," said Rossi, who plans to study for a masters degree in costume design once she receives her bachelor of arts degree in English and theater next spring.
      "I would like to specialize in costuming for films. I like to do intricate work and everything you do for a play is seen from 30 feet away," Rossi noted.