There are many programs offered at Allen Community College that seek to provide students with essential skills for their career, one of those being the student work-study program. With positions available in several different departments, there is a wide range of availability. However, the theater department offers several different jobs for students.

One position with the theater is costume and set design. With five student directed one-act plays slated for performance in the beginning of March, in addition to  the spring play in April, the costume department has quite a hefty load to bear this semester. Yet, sophomore work-study Padyne Durand is undaunted by these obstacles.

“It’s been really interesting, difficult, and fun all at the same time,” Durand said. “It’s great getting to create costumes and learning different sewing techniques.”

According to Durand, sewing has always been an interest.

“Sewing is something I’ve always really liked doing but I haven’t had time to do,” she commented. “I love coming to work and doing something I like, and seeing the things I created on stage is always a feel-good moment.”

However costumes are just one aspect of the theater production beast. Building five different sets for the five different shows this March isn’t a task that can be achieved overnight. Luckily for Allen, the work study program is gifted with dedicated individuals who are more than happy to accept this challenge.

With freshman talents such as Abigail Allen and Lane Houk the set design department is in extremely capable hands. There is always room for learning though, as Lane Houk explains.

“I basically knew a lot of what to do in the shop but the big thing I am learning is how to sew,” Houk said. “It’s helped a lot and now I know how to patch stuff, and fix clothing.”

Houk went on to describe that a work-study can help students become more independent as they enter adult life.

“I think this will help me to be more independent and not have to rely on my mother or my grandmother by saying ‘Hey I’ve got a hole in my pants, can you patch this up?’” remarked Houk. “Now I’ll be able to do it myself.”