Artist Profile: Kenette Bethel

Consumed by Costumes

By Tina Morris

Kenette Bethel enjoyed attending plays at Elm Street Playhouse long before she became a costume designer for them. Some may call it chance; some may call it fate, but whichever it was, it was a perfect match. While attending a play at the Elm Street Playhouse, Kenette discovered a flyer in the program that said, looking for visionary support. She took a chance and emailed the playhouse. Soon, she began working in the costume design department.

Kenette grew up in Huntsville, Alabama where her parents worked as programmers for NASA. Her mother died when Kenette was only nine years old. Her father remarried a year and a half later. It was Kenettes step mother who first introduced her to sewing when she signed Kenette up for a weeklong sewing camp when she was thirteen years old. Kenette learned a lot and loved the experience. Her passion, plus four years of home economics in high school, prepared Kenette to work as a tailor while attending Kennesaw State University.

Today, with over four decades of experience in sewing, Kenette is more than capable of costume design and creation. She began working with Cindy Flanders, the costume manager at Elm Street Playhouse, who designed the first play that Kenette worked on. Kenette enjoyed the collaboration, stating that, Two heads are better than one.

The Little Mermaid Jr. was Kenettes first show as costume director. Her experience and creative process helped her overcome any challenges she faced. When it comes to costume design, Kenette states that, It is important to talk with the director first about the overall vision for each character. Next, its important to learn what the needs of the characters and costumes are. For example, if characters must dance, the costume must allow for free range of motion. It sounds obvious, but it can create quite a challenge. Kenette states that, If the director has a vision in mind, I follow that. If the director does not, then I will follow my own idea path. Even fabrics can prove a challenge. A fabric that may look perfect at the store may wash-out under stage lights.

According to Kenette, the functionality of the garments can be the most challenging task. For The Little Mermaid Jr, Ariel had to transform from mermaid to human on stage. The challenge allowed Kenette to push her creativity and design a piece that became her favorite.

Kenette is enthusiastic about upcoming projects, including Annie Get Your Gun. She is not the costume director for this production, but is excited because she loves western wear. She enjoys volunteering with Elm Street Playhouse and encourages anyone who enjoys a craft to find a way to share it with their community.

Tina Morris is a student in the MFA creative writing program at Reinhardt University. 770-720-5582. Reinhardt.edu/Graduate/MFA-CW/