Christy Railsback is an expert in costume design and an adjunct professor at Newman University. She began her journey in 2001 by costuming "The Imaginary Invalid," Newman's first play in the De Mattias Performance Hall. Since then, she's designed costumes for numerous theater and vocal productions. Christy also teaches makeup and costume design classes at Newman and has worked with various theaters in Wichita.
In 2021, Christy won her 10th Mary Jane Teal Award for costume design, named after a key figure in Wichita Community Theater. She developed a passion for sewing from making doll clothes and later creating Halloween costumes for her children. Christy's work includes costumes for a wide range of genres, from historical dramas to fantastical creatures like pterodactyls and mermaids.
Her costume creations involve meticulous planning and can take anywhere from 30 to 200 hours to complete, depending on complexity. She often uses creative materials like swim noodles and Styrofoam to bring characters to life, such as a giant spider costume standing six feet tall.
Christy's memorable projects include Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Newman, where she enjoyed the vibrant colors and energy of the production. She's also worked on film projects and toured with theater companies, showcasing her designs on stages across the country.
In addition to her role at Newman, Christy has a vast collection of costume materials stored in her basement workshop. Her dedication to costume design goes beyond creating outfits; she ensures they withstand the rigors of performances, including quick changes and unexpected challenges.
Overall, Christy Railsback's career exemplifies creativity and dedication in bringing characters to life through costume design, making her a vital part of the theatrical community at Newman and beyond.