Costume Mentorship
Stitching Futures: Costume Design & Production Mentorship & College Pathways Program
​
January–June 2026 | Weekly Sessions | Maui, HawaiÊ»i
A free, hands-on training program for Maui’s aspiring teen and young adult costume designers and technicians.
​
Applications are now open for people interested in joining the next cohort! APPLY HERE​​
About the Program
Stitching Futures is a six-month, hands-on costume design and production mentorship that prepares Maui’s emerging artists for college programs and creative careers in costume design, technology, and related fields. Led by The Sewing Hui and guided by industry professionals, the program fills a critical gap in access to high-level costume education on the island by providing free training, full materials support, and opportunities to work on real theatrical and performing arts productions.
Our Learning Philosophy
Hands-On. Production-Based. Mentorship-Driven.​
​
The program mirrors how professional costume shops teach new designers and technicians through apprenticeship, collaboration, and immersion in live productions. Students may pursue areas of personal interest while working toward shared production goals. This approach keeps students motivated, fosters independence and creative problem-solving, and prepares them for the pace and expectations of college-level and professional studios.
​
This Spring, our costume design productions include The Revolutionists at MAPA, The Mousetrap at Maui OnStage, and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Maui OnStage.
Mentorship Team
The program is led by Jennifer Oberg, Director of The Sewing Hui, whose extensive career includes work with the Washington Opera, Shakespeare Theater at the Folger, The Old Globe in San Diego, and Film & Television in Hollywood. She is a member of Los Angeles-based Motion Picture Costumers IATSE Local 705. On Maui, she serves as Costume Director for Alexander Academy of Performing Arts and is a Costume Designer for Maui OnStage. Jennifer and members of The Sewing Hui provide individualized mentorship rooted in industry practice, preparing students for real-world environments and college-level study.
Student Success Spotlight
“Jennifer was my first true mentor… She supported my growth without micromanaging, allowing me to build confidence and problem-solve on my own. The sewing foundation she gave me allowed me to design Mother Ginger for Alexander Academy’s Nutcracker. I definitely felt more confident when I started school as I had so much sewing practice and knowledge before I even started earning a degree.”
​
— Sophia Gallegos, former student; now a Workroom Assistant and Shopper at the San Francisco Opera and Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
What Sewing Futures Offers:
1. Costume Design Experience
-
Script/character analysis
-
Concept research & rendering
-
Fabric selection & sourcing
-
Patterning, construction, and fittings
-
Completion of at least three fully constructed costumes for portfolio use
2. Technical Production Training
-
Sewing
-
Pattern cutting and draping
-
Alterations
-
Dyeing, painting, and distressing
-
Millinery, foam crafting, leatherwork
-
Production workflow, timelines, and backstage operations
3. Professional Mentorship
-
Design process & collaboration
-
Budgeting & resource management
-
Specialty crafts (ie. EVA foam, puppet building, dye work, etc)
-
Real-world problem-solving under production deadlines
4. Portfolio Development
-
Design sketches & renderings
-
Fabric samples
-
Process documentation
-
Final photography
-
At least three substantial portfolio-ready costume pieces
5. College and Career Pathways Support
-
Workshops on college programs in theater/costume design
-
Support with applications, essays, and interviews
-
Guidance from a college admissions advisor
-
Depending on funding, possible trip to the continental US to visit college costume design programs
6. Materials & Resource Support
-
All fabric, tools, trims, machines, and specialty supplies
-
Instruction in working within real production budgets
-
Full financial access, no student cost
Program Size & Timeline
-
Cohort Size: 10 students
-
Program Duration: 6 months (January–June 2026)
-
Weekly sessions, plus production work leading up to performance weekends
Why Stitching Futures Matters
Costume design cannot be learned through classes and theory alone, students must experience the process. By working on real productions, collaborating with professional artists, and building portfolios that reflect genuine craftsmanship, Maui’s young designers gain the confidence, skills, and readiness to pursue higher education and creative careers. Through mentorship, production work, and community partnership, we are creating a new generation of designers who are imaginative, skilled, and empowered.
​
Applications are now open for people interested in joining the next cohort!
