Costume designer creates fun and fantasy

Costume designer Suzy Moore brightens up local stages with her creations

Nov 11, 2011, 4:54 p.m.

By Linda S. Humphrey

When meeting Suzy Moore for the first time, instead of the usual greeting of “hello” or “how are you,” she may shake your hand and ask, “And who would you like to be?”

Moore, a design artist who makes costumes for individuals and local productions such as Camelot, The Wizard of Oz and Aladdin, became caught up in the art of making costumes when she was a child.

“My sixth-grade history project was my Barbie dolls dressed in historical clothing,” said the Merritt Island resident. “When I was in elementary school someone gave me an old prom dress and I made a princess costume for Halloween.”

Moore, who works fulltime as a banquet captain for Crowne Plaza in Indialantic, spends her downtime in her workshop surrounded by mounds of fabric, sequins and trims, along with racks of costumes and props available to the public for purchase or rental.

Moore has designed costumes for local cast members of Surfside Players, The Emma Parrish Theater, Cocoa Village Playhouse and Ruth Henegar Center for the Performing Arts.

Recently, Moore’s designs were featured in Phantom of the Opera presented by the drama class of University High School in Orlando.

Melaney Douglass is a drama teacher at UHS. She directed Phantom to sold-out performances. Douglass met Moore after Josh Moore, a drama student, mentioned that his grandmother made costumes.

“I was totally blown away as soon as I saw her work and realized that Suzy was a true professional,” said Douglass. “I was amazed at her talent and also her generosity and kindness. She made the bridal gown worn by the lead Phantom female, Christine. Actually, she made two gowns. We had two girls sharing the part, both different sizes, so she made two gowns.”

Moore said creating costumes allows her a needed outlet for creativity and facing a challenge.

“It’s a vital part of me,” she said. “I need to be creative.”

Contact Moore at canfli@aol.com or 321-453-2685.