Sierra Clark
Sierra Clark
Class Year
’23
Hometown
Gig Harbor, Wash.
Major(s)
Costume Design
Career goal
“I hope to work in a costume shop or work on a wardrobe crew. I plan on getting my MFA right after I graduate.”
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“I have developed close relationships with faculty at Carthage and I honestly think that is the main draw to this school. I know in the future, if I needed any recommendations or connections to professionals after graduation, my professors would happily help me.”
Favorite class
“My favorite class at Carthage has been my Draping and Patternmaking class with Professor Kimberly Instenes. I love the hands-on learning and practical skills I learned and how close I got with the other students.”
Internships or on-campus employment
“I work as a costume shop assistant on campus, and I think it has been one of the most educational and useful things to my major that I have had the opportunity to do. I learn a lot of theoretical and abstract design and construction techniques in classes, but I get to practice and perfect these skills while working on costumes in the shop.”
Opportunities at Carthage
“I have worked on the wardrobe crew for many of the mainstage theater productions since coming to Carthage.”
Scholarships
“I received an academic scholarship and a theater scholarship which made it possible for me to attend Carthage.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“My favorite memory so far has been working late in the costume shop the week before dress rehearsals started for the musical, eating pizza, and watching movies with other employees.”
Favorite spot on campus
“My favorite spots on campus are the glass study rooms in the David Straz Center. There’s something about studying late at night when it is dark and only the lake is visible that is so calming and peaceful.”
What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?
“My 8-year-old self would be honestly be disappointed because I wanted to be a doctor when I was little. But I know I will be more fulfilled and happy in a career in the arts than I ever would be in medicine.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“There are only a few costume design students at Carthage and this allows for many opportunities and close one-on-one interaction with the faculty. I also think that choosing a major in the theater department helps students develop closer connections with other students in ways they might not be able to in other majors.”
Why Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because of the small class sizes and the opportunities for mentorship with faculty. I also liked that I would have chances to do design work for a mainstage production in a way I would not have been as an undergrad at other institutions.”