Bill Nelson is not just a member of WIT’s Harold team Out Sick; he’s a celebrated costume designer bringing his extensive expertise to the Washington National Opera. For WIT’s production of Starship Odyssey: The Final Mission, Nelson’s visionary talent is showcased through the creation of stunning crew uniforms and otherworldly alien attire. We delve into a conversation with Bill Nelson to explore his theatrical journey and the intricate process of designing the captivating universe of Starship Odyssey.
From Theater Beginnings to Costume Design Expertise
Before his involvement with WIT, Nelson’s life was deeply rooted in the world of theater. He recounts, “I started in theater very young, thanks to a wonderfully supportive children’s theater in my hometown.” His formal education includes a comprehensive bachelor’s program covering all facets of theater, from acting and directing to costume, set, and lighting design. This broad foundation led him to pursue an MFA in scenography, an interdisciplinary field encompassing costume, scenic, and lighting design. Nelson’s career path then brought him to Washington D.C., where he honed his skills in costume production at the Shakespeare Theatre before landing his current role at the prestigious Washington National Opera.
The Magic of Costume Transformation
When asked about his passion for costume design, Nelson eloquently describes a transformative moment: “There is this incredible moment during a fitting. When a performer is fully costumed and accessorized, they look in the mirror, and you witness the character truly embodying them.” He emphasizes the pivotal role of costumes, often being the final touch that allows actors to fully connect with and inhabit their roles. This instant of realization, though fleeting, is what Nelson finds profoundly rewarding in his craft.
Reigniting the Acting Spark Through Improv
Interestingly, Nelson’s journey took an unexpected turn when a WIT show inspired him to return to acting after a 25-year break. He explains that his career choice, turning his hobby into his profession, inadvertently led to a creative imbalance. Seeking new avenues for creative expression, he explored various hobbies, but none truly fulfilled him. It was during this time that a WIT and Story District collaborative performance reignited his passion for the stage. Witnessing the performance sparked a reconnection with the energy of live performance, the camaraderie of a cast, and the magic of creating something spontaneously for an audience. Improv, he realized, was the perfect outlet to stimulate a different part of his brain and satisfy his creative yearning.
Sci-Fi Inspirations Behind the Nelson Uniform
For Starship Odyssey, Nelson immersed himself in a range of ship-based science fiction for inspiration. His research spanned across iconic series and films like Battlestar Galactica, Space: 1999, Hyperdrive, Alien, The Orville, multiple iterations of Lost in Space, and, of course, the vast Star Trek universe. This deep dive into sci-fi aesthetics informed the design choices for the Starship Odyssey costumes, especially the crew uniforms.
Embracing His Inner Sci-Fi Nerd
Initially considering himself an average sci-fi enthusiast, Nelson had a humorous self-discovery. He recounts an instance where he casually mentioned, “Neelix is a chef because, as a Talaxian, he has more taste buds than anyone else on Voyager.” The blank stares he received in response led to a lightbulb moment: “Ooooohh itʼs me… I AM a sci-fi nerd.” This realization further fueled his passion and detailed approach to designing the sci-fi costumes for WIT.
Goals for the Starship Odyssey Costumes: Comfort, Flexibility, and Inspiration
Nelson outlined key objectives for the Starship Odyssey costume design. The primary goal was to create a cohesive crew aesthetic. This involved developing a uniform concept – the “Nelson uniform” – that prioritized comfort, flexibility for movement, ease of maintenance, and flattering fit across diverse body types. The chosen neoprene and mesh fabrics proved to be ideal in achieving these goals. Secondly, for the alien characters, Nelson aimed for suggestive rather than prescriptive designs. He wanted to provide enough visual cues to spark improvisational creativity without confining the performers to rigid, pre-conceived notions. His philosophy is that costumes should enhance, not restrict, the spontaneous discoveries on stage.
Pride in the Nelson Uniform Design
When asked about a personal favorite among the Starship Odyssey costumes, Nelson proudly highlights the crew uniforms, now affectionately known as the “Nelson uniform”. He details the extensive thought, time, meticulous planning, and dedicated effort involved in producing fifteen identical uniforms. After countless hours overseeing their creation, he admits they momentarily lost their appeal. However, seeing them in action during the performances has rekindled his appreciation. He concludes, “But now that the show is open, Iʼll see someone standing at attention onstage and think, ‘That is a sharp looking officer over there.'” The Nelson uniform stands as a testament to his design skill and understanding of theatrical needs.
Bill Nelson’s costumes for Starship Odyssey: The Final Mission are a must-see, showcased as part of WIT’s Improv Saves the World season.
Photo by Jeff Salmore
