Buderim sewing star makes the set for new direction

From using a hand-me-down sewing machine as a child to becoming a highly respected costumer, Anne Grant is blitzing the theatre world.

SEWING STAR: Anne Grant has been busy making costumes for the theatre world. Picture: Warren Lynam

FROM using a hand-me-down sewing machine as a child to becoming a highly respected costumer, Anne Grant is blitzing the theatre world.

The Buderim resident is creating costumes for Jane Austen Action Figure, an Anywhere Theatre Festival production to be performed on the Coast.

Mrs Grant said she loved the way an actor's clothing could make a large impact on the audience.

"As soon as a character steps on stage, you need to pack in as much information as you can give to the audience about who they are,” Mrs Grant said.

"At the end of the day, a costume is only on for two minutes, but it informs your understanding of the character really effectively.”

Mrs Grant feels subtle choices in costuming can make or break the believability of a character.

"The best thing about creating costumes is to pare it down to the most essential thing that will tell the story,” she said.

"Even just finding the right texture or the right colour could mean a lot to the audience.”

In addition to designing the costuming, Mrs Grant is also directing the Jane Austen Action Figure production.

She said the decision to take on both roles despite the large workload was natural.

"For me, it's the only way of doing it,” she said.

"There's been times when I was acting that I've been put into a costume just because it's there, and I realised how hard that is.

"With my design and directing brain, it's great to have a lot of creative control over the show.”

The Anywhere Theatre Festival's production of Jane Austen Action Figure will be performed on May 17, 18, 24 and 25 at the Girl Guides Hall on Burnett St.

Head to anywhere.is/listings/janeausten/ for tickets.