Scene Spotlight

By Compiled by By Patricia Jiayi Ho

Coeli Polansky

? Theater Major

? Class of '05

Many aspects of a theater production take place behind the scenes, costume design being one of them. Sophomore Coeli Polansky is one of the talented seamstresses who toil away, anonymous to the general public, in the Theatre Department's costume shop.

The theatre major's first experiences with costume design came from getting a job with the costume shop where she helped construct costumes for the Theatre Department's quarterly productions. However, her interest in sewing predates this. "I originally developed my interest and knowledge of sewing from a desire to express myself specifically with the clothing choices I make," she said.

Although the appropriateness of a costume on stage may seem effortless, it is actually the result of much consideration. "Ideas for costumes designed for a show come from a combination of period research, character analysis and an appreciation for what design elements and qualities say to an audience," Coeli explained. "One of my favorite exercises for coming up with a costume concept is to look at art, listen to music or collage what the overall feeling of the show is for me."

Coeli's job is a big time commitment, taking up 20 hours per week. Nevertheless, her passion for the trade is unabated. "I would love to continue working in the theatre making costumes and designing them if I have the chance," she said. "The creative and fun atmosphere of the costume shop work environment is something I really appreciate."

"I am just glad that there is this real, practical application of 'art' and that I have found a way of participating," she added.

Adam Lowry

? English Major

? Class of '03

Many of us are familiar with Jonathan Swift's classic tale, "Gulliver's Travels," but few would have the insight to pull a national prize-winning essay out of it. Senior English major Adam Lowry did just that.

At the English honors society (Sigma Tau Delta) conference in Cincinnati in March this year, Lowry entered a paper in the Analytical Essay category and won third place. What is particularly noteworthy is that the competition was open to graduate students as well as undergraduates. He was awarded a certificate of recognition at Tuesday's English Department award ceremony.

Lowry, who is also president of Sigma Tau Delta, researched his topic extensively before sitting down and writing. The writing process took about a week and culminated in a paper titled, "The Dehumanizing Cost of Perfection: An Analysis of Part Four of Gulliver's Travels." In the essay, Lowry examined social issues as presented through the timeless story about the fictional travels of Gulliver, originally published in 1726. "The utopian obsessions of society and individuals who feel the need to compare themselves to some model of perfection," Lowry explained. "Really, paradoxically, it doesn't make you more perfect, it just dehumanizes you. It makes you try to reduce your emotions so you are more rational. It makes you try to suppress you human-ness. Gulliver in part four is a wreck because he hates himself because he holds himself to rational ideals and he hates the emotional side of him."

"And that's the short answer," laughed Lowry.

When asked about his plans after college, Lowry's reply is like that of many other English majors. "I want to write the next great American novel. That's short term goal,' he said.