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Behind-the-Scenes With Koba Costume Designer Kevin Maguire

Featured in the March 2015 Newsletter

Behind the scenes

For this month’s newsletter, we bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at costume design with our very own Kevin Maguire, Koba Entertainment’s Head of Wardrobe.

Kevin joined the company in 2013 after creating costumes for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet for over 15 years. We sat down with Kevin to find out more about what it’s like bringing so many wonderful and whimsical characters to life!

Q: What has been your favourite design project at Koba so far?

A: I think it would be my first project, when I worked on a set of bunny feet and hands for Max and Ruby. It allowed me to explore different talents I didn’t even know I had. It also introduced me to one of my favourite work tools - my 1970’s Sears electric turkey carving knife. Great for carving foam!

Q: What is the most rewarding part of designing/creating costumes?

A: The whole process can be fun and perhaps crazy? Yes, crazy. The most rewarding part is when the show is complete and on the road. I usually get to see the show opening with a full audience and getting to see the kids watching and reacting to the characters on stage as if they were speaking directly to their friends is priceless.

Q: Who is your favourite Koba character and why?

A: That’s a hard one, because there are so many. If I had to choose, I’d say Trollee from Mike the Knight. I feel [Mike the Knight in the Great Scavenger Hunt] is the first full show I worked on from start to finish and everyone loves an underdog. I also loved working on Queen Martha because she has the best accessories!

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: All over the place.  From shapes of basic household items you find at the dollar store to high fashion designers. Really I can draw inspiration from anywhere. I once built a robot costume using dryer vents, rubber balls and items I found in a gardening centre.

Q: Can you give us any hints on upcoming projects?

A: Hmmm I’m sworn to secrecy, and it’s a little fishy that you brought it up. However, I can say it’s exciting to work on a brand new show, which has never been on stage. The costumes are a bit of a challenge as they need to disguise the performer’s legs but still allow them to dance and move around easily.

Stay tuned for that one!

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