theatre, history and classical studies – and all have served her well as a costumer. “For historical plays, there is a great deal of research that goes into what I do. My classical and historical knowledge helps me a lot. So much of what I do is a lost art or dying art. People don’t always realize that underneath the fancy costumes are bustles and corsets, and we do still make all of that and create our own patterns.” She says costumes are the first impression an audience gets for the character, even before they speak. “They tell you how important that person is, how wealthy they are. Whether it’s a big, fancy dress or rippedup clothes with mud on them, they’re going to tell you something about that character. They give you an added layer of who that person is. I like seeing the product up on stage and knowing I had a part in it.” Williams received a master’s degree in fine arts in costume design and technology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and she likes being a part of the theater community. “Most of my best friends are here (the theater), and it’s this whole other family I’ve created for myself,” Williams says. “I’ll never make a fortune doing what I do, but I love it. It makes it all
worthwhile. “It really was Ripon that gave me the basics. I was going to be a history professor, and now it’s almost 10 years later and I’m still doing theater.” After catching the acting bug in middle school, Alisha Gard ’06 found her calling. “My sister and I used to play softball, but she was always way
better than me,” Gard says. “So, I decided to try something different and auditioned for a musical in eighth grade. I got a part in the show, and ever since I have loved acting!” Gard now lives in Burbank, Calif., where she trains and is building up her resumé. “I have been going out on as many auditions as possible, and even if I don’t book the part, I learn something new every time,” Gard says. “I most recently booked parts in the All-American Rejects music video for the song ‘Beekeeper’s Daughter,’ as well as
a commercial for a local hospital here in Los Angeles.” She hopes to become a series regular on a television show, “but as long as I am working and paying my bills doing what I love, I won’t complain,” she says. “Besides the simple fact that it provides entertainment, theater is beneficial for so many reasons,” she says. “I find it to be a confidence-builder, as you have to be super comfortable in your skin and be willing to take risks. It also teaches empathy and teambuilding because you have to relate with the character and work as a team with your castmates. I wish it were a requirement for everyone to take at least one theater class because you learn so much even from the most basic theater games.” Gard says performing gives her the chance to play characters different from herself, live vicariously through them and do and say things without consequence. “For most characters, you have to do a lot of research and really invest yourself in creating the most believable character possible,” she says. For stories of other Ripon theater alumni, visit: ripon.edu/theatrealumni
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