UA’s Story Behind the Story: Q&As with The Philadelphia Story Cast, Crew

Students from The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance will bring to life “The Philadelphia Story” with opening night slated for Valentine’s Day.

Set in 1930s Philadelphia, the romantic comedy follows the privileged daughter of the Lord family who created quite the scandal, divorcing her husband and arranging to remarry. While theatergoers will get to know the characters being portrayed on stage, we’d like to take you behind-the-scenes for a deeper look into the students who helped bring the story to life.

Chalise Ludlow, costume designer
2nd year in Masters of Fine Arts

Q: How did you get into theater? 

A: It all started in third grade when I was cast in the show “Marvin the Marvelous Clown.” I’ve been acting since then. When I started college, I found a job in the costume shop and loved working there. After graduation, I taught high school theater for 10 years and loved it, but as time passed I realized I was spending more time directing the plays from behind my sewing machine set up in the front of the auditorium. That is when I decided to go to graduate school.   

Q: What would you like to do after graduation? 

A: I would love to teach college. I’m very passionate about teaching. My dream job would be college professor during the school year with opportunities to freelance design for summer stock or community theaters.

Q: What skills do you learn while participating in the varied productions and how do those skills help prepare you for your future career goals?

A: I love to learn and my time here has taught me so much. I have learned to drape and pattern clothes; my sewing skills have improved a hundredfold. I have learned how to draw, render and paint better. I have been given opportunities to design, drape and stitch for shows.

Q: At the end of this production, how many hours would you have spent working on it?

A: I am not sure on the exact amount, but more than 300 hours in the last six weeks.

Q: Of all the productions you have been a part of, what was your favorite and why?

A: I have loved everything I have worked on thus far. I think “The Philadelphia Story” has provided a good amount of challenge and I’ve learned a lot in the process. 

“The Philadelphia Story” runs Feb. 14-18 with a 7:30 p.m. showtime and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Feb. 19 at the Marian Gallaway Theatre. For more info, visit https://theatre.ua.edu/productions/the-philadelphia-story/.