成人头条

Since joining 成人头条 (WSU) in 2018, Melissa Penkava Koza has played an integral role in the School of Performing Arts (SPA), blending her expertise in costume technology with a deep passion for education. Recently promoted to Assistant Teaching Professor, Penkava Koza continues to shape the next generation of theatre professionals while maintaining strong ties to the broader arts community, including her work with Music Theatre 成人头条 (MTW).

A Journey from Music to Costume Technology

Penkava Koza鈥檚 career path has been multifaceted. She began her undergraduate studies at Bowling Green State University, initially pursuing music education before transitioning to opera performance. However, her involvement in the Theatre Department鈥檚 costume shop uncovered an unexpected passion for costume technology.

鈥淚 discovered that my sewing hobby could be turned into a career,鈥� Penkava Koza reflected. 鈥淎fter adding a theatre minor, I pursued an M.F.A. in Theatrical Design and Production with a Costume and Lighting focus from the University of Memphis.鈥�

Her transition into costume technology has provided her with a fulfilling career, where she combines technical expertise with artistic expression.

鈥淚 have a strong passion for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education, and I love showing students how three-dimensional geometry and chemistry鈥攕ubjects they 鈥榯hought they鈥檇 never use鈥欌�攁re essential to costume drafting and fiber modification,鈥� Penkava Koza explained.

Teaching, Mentoring, and Expanding Applied Learning

As Costume Shop Manager, Penkava Koza oversees the entire costume production process for SPA performances, which includes:

• Drafting and draping patterns
• Supervising the construction of costumes
• Managing an inventory of approximately 15,000 garments, shoes, and accessories
• Ensuring that each performer is fitted in a well-constructed and performance-ready costume

Beyond the technical responsibilities, Penkava Koza values the transformative experience of costume fittings, highlighting their impact on both performers and student designers.

鈥淏ringing a performer into a fitting isn鈥檛 just about making sure they feel comfortable in their costume,鈥� Penkava Koza stated. 鈥淚t allows student designers to see their concepts materialize and to share their creative vision with the performer. A costume fitting can be a deeply personal experience, providing a safe space to explore the role and prepare for a future career.鈥�

With her recent promotion to Assistant Teaching Professor, Penkava Koza aims to further formalize applied learning opportunities, ensuring that WSU students gain hands-on industry experience throughout their coursework.

Bridging Academia and Professional Theatre Through MTW

In addition to her work at WSU, Penkava Koza plays a crucial role at Music Theatre 成人头条 (MTW), where she serves as Head of Costumes during the summer season. Her involvement with MTW began in 2019, when she was recruited to assist in the costume production for An American in Paris.

Since then, she has taken on major roles, including costume design for Mirette and costume coordination for Gypsy. One particularly memorable moment came during a 2022 performance of 42nd Street, when an unexpected COVID-19 case required her to step into a wardrobe role mid-show.

鈥淚 ran to the stage, grabbed the crew member鈥檚 paperwork, and took over their entire wardrobe track,鈥� Penkava Koza recalled. 鈥淧rior to that day, it had been at least a decade since I had run a professional wardrobe track鈥攁nd it鈥檚 an incredibly physical task. I think I took about 20,000 steps that day!鈥�

Penkava Koza鈥檚 involvement with MTW benefits WSU students as well, as it keeps her connected to industry trends, professional networks, and evolving best practices.

鈥淭he professional theatre industry is at the forefront of social change,鈥� Penkava Koza explained. 鈥淢aintaining an active connection allows me to bring that awareness and innovation back to our students.鈥�

Strengthening the 成人头条 Arts Community

Penkava Koza is a strong advocate for collaboration between WSU, the College of Fine Arts (CFA), SPA, and the 成人头条 arts community. She actively encourages students to gain hands-on experience with local arts organizations, including: Roxy鈥檚 Downtown, ICT Repertory Theatre, Ballet 成人头条, Harvester Arts and Envision Arts.

In Fall 2023, WSU piloted an internship program in collaboration with MTW, allowing students to work on costumes for the professional production of CATS. Penkava Koza hopes to see more of these partnerships fully integrated into WSU鈥檚 degree programs.

鈥淲e teach foundational skills on campus, but community involvement allows students to experience diverse methodologies and bring new ideas back to us,鈥� Penkava Koza said.

Fostering Student Growth and Professionalism

For Penkava Koza, one of the most fulfilling aspects of her role is witnessing students develop professionalism, resilience, and confidence. She encourages students to embrace challenges鈥攅ven failure鈥攁s an essential part of the learning process.

鈥淎s an educator, it may sound counterintuitive to encourage failure, but overcoming challenges is one of the best ways to learn,鈥� Penkava Koza noted. 鈥淚 remind students that the most-used tool in the shop is a seam ripper!鈥�

Penkava Koza also strives to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that every student鈥檚 experience in the costume shop is safe, professional, and empowering.

Future Goals: Innovation and Industry Integration

Looking ahead, Penkava Koza hopes to integrate production work more fully into WSU鈥檚 curriculum, ensuring that students gain paid, industry-level experiences while completing their degrees. She is also focused on addressing the challenges of burnout and unpaid labor within the theatre industry.

鈥淏y teaching students to establish boundaries and recognize their worth, we can help combat the industry鈥檚 history of exploitation,鈥� Penkava Koza explained.

WSU鈥檚 Spring 2024 productions include:

• Spring Awakening (February 20-23)
• Spring Dance Concert (April 24-27)

Meanwhile, MTW鈥檚 2025 season will feature productions such as Waitress, Crazy for You, Disney鈥檚 Newsies, Something Rotten!, and A Grand Night for Singing.

A Final Word of Advice

Reflecting on her career, Penkava Koza credits her grandmother, Dorothy, for her tenacity and her favorite celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay for his structured leadership philosophy.

As for aspiring costume designers, her advice is clear:

鈥淎sk questions, produce excellent work, be persistent, and practice kindness.鈥�

With a commitment to education, innovation, and collaboration, Penkava Koza continues to make a lasting impact in costume technology, theatre production, and the 成人头条 arts community.