Emerson Valentina: Artists, Not Products.
Skene Staff
Theatre artist and Executive Director of the Broadway Mental Health Foundation on survival, advocacy, and rebuilding the performing arts industry.
Theatre artist and Executive Director of the Broadway Mental Health Foundation on survival, advocacy, and rebuilding the performing arts industry.
Gary McCann is an Irish scenic and costume designer whose work for opera and theatre builds immersive worlds rooted in architecture and emotion.
From the UK to Korea to the past — Helen Garcia-Alton, Tina Torbey, and Nia Banks share the theatre they wish they could see anywhere in the world.
Public domain plays for community theatres: proven box office hits, zero royalties. Reliable entertainers that fill seats.
Brandon PT Davis is a scenic designer whose research-driven practice builds spaces that dissolve into story and earn their invisibility.
Camille Deering doesn’t just design costumes—she crafts emotional entry points for audiences to connect with the heart of a story. Raised in a challenging environment, Camille turned to sketching and dancing as a child, discovering the transformative power of imagination. Today, she channels that same resilience and depth into her work as a costume designer, where each garment is a bridge between character and audience. Whether reimagining classic ballets with cultural sensitivity or championing inclusive designs for diverse bodies, Camille’s artistry is grounded in empathy, research, and fearless persistence. Her creative process is driven by curiosity, fueled by her role as a mother, and sharpened by a journey defined not by privilege, but by perseverance.
In this edition of PROFILES, Camille shares the motivations behind her boldest designs, the challenges that shaped her, and her vision for a more inclusive, emotionally resonant future in costume design.
As a child raised in an alcoholic environment, I found solace in sketching costumes and dancing, using these creative outlets to distance myself from my harsh reality. Over time, I came to understand how vital it was to have a means of escaping into a different realm. Costume design became my gateway to that enchanting world.
One of my favorite productions was the ballet premiere of A Star of the Rise, a reimagining of La Bayadère. The original ballet, set in Royal India, contains many themes that are problematic in today’s context. Rather than canceling it, choreographers Phil Chan and Doug Fullington chose to reinvent the story, relocating it to the glamorous era of old Hollywood, complete with a western backdrop.
Inspiration can be an integral part of the routine! I can’t fulfill my role without thoroughly conducting research. For me, this step is the most vital aspect of my creative process. I genuinely enjoy diving deep into research, often finding myself exploring various rabbit holes, where I uncover the hidden gems that eventually make their way into my designs.
Honestly, it was my lack of a wealthy background that shaped my journey. In those early years, I could only rely on myself; no one was there to cover my expenses or provide support. There was no safety net for me. Perseverance became my only choice. I discovered that the opportunities we receive must never be taken for granted.
My daughter and son inspire me profoundly, but it’s my daughter who truly motivates me. I want her to see that a mother of two can pursue her dreams fiercely and that nothing should hold her back. This belief in persistence influences everything I do.
A significant trend in costume design is the emphasis on inclusivity, as we strive to create garments that cater to a diverse range of body types, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds. This approach transcends traditional, often limited standards, focusing instead on crafting adaptable costumes that celebrate the unique individuality of each performer.
As challenging as it may be, try not to judge or compare your journey to that of others. Each of us follows a unique path, and our experiences are distinctly our own.
Embrace boldness and don’t fear failure. Remember, failure signifies that you’ve gained valuable lessons that you can carry forward into your next project.
I aim to create costumes that resonate emotionally with the audience, enhancing the storytelling experience. By design choices that reflect the characters’ inner lives, I hope to evoke empathy and connect the audience to the narrative on a deeper level.
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One Response
This is a truly inspiring artist! Wonderful article. Bravo, Camille!