The Grinch (2024) Photo: Glen Stubbe Photography
Wardrobe assistant Emily Jannusch takes us behind the scenes at Children’s Theatre Company.
Audience members file into the United-Health Group Stage theater, anxiously awaiting the start of a live show with actors, delightful music and a colorful stage. Yet many onlookers remain blissfully unaware of the tireless work it takes to put on such a production: rehearsals, lighting design, prop creation and organization of the entire cast. For one White Bear Lake resident, the behind-the-scenes work is not only her day job, but her favorite place in the theater.
Emily Jannusch, a 2006 White Bear Area High School graduate, remembers visiting the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) as a child, but she didn’t think to pursue it as a career path until a set design course at Century College. While studying at Century, a production of Cabaret was underway, and the crew needed help with costumes. Jannusch harnessed the sewing skills taught to her by her mother, Wendy, and grandmother, Winnie, and got to work. In 2013, she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in theater arts.
After college, Jannusch interned with the Minnesota Children’s Museum, helping at the box office. “It felt really gratifying and fun to do things for kids,” Jannusch says. “It’s more magical.” So when she was offered a position at CTC in 2014, Jannusch took on the wardrobe swing role—a position she dubs “the understudy for the backstage.”
“It was a happy accident because I like stitching and sewing, but working with the actors behind the stage is really fun and action-packed,” Jannusch says.
Costume director Amy Kitzhaber first worked with Jannusch in 2018 on I Come From Arizona, and was instantly impressed by her varied skill set. “Emily is extremely talented as a stitcher,” Kitzhaber says. “In addition to her amazing wardrobe skills, she has an incredible depth of talent in costuming. And she also has beautiful carpentry skills for when she does overhire work in the prop shop.”
The Lorax (2018). Photo: Dan Norman
With each performance, Jannusch remembers that theater is more than just entertainment. Every show has the potential to teach young minds important lessons.
“Creating stylized period costumes, modern or fantastical costumes can help young audiences learn about different eras and cultures (real or imagined) through visual representation,” Kitzhaber says.
With the 2024–25 season coming to a close this June, the cast and crew are still hard at work, making every show a success. Jannusch’s current role as wardrobe assistant includes prep work, such as fluffing, laundry and repairs—but more often than not, she’s part of the well-oiled machine behind the stage that keeps the show running smoothly.
On the day of a show, Jannusch is backstage helping actors with costume changes, wigs and makeup. “Prep for wardrobe is like a puzzle. Who gets into which costume, at what time and speed, and where?” Jannusch says. “The quick changes are what make it action-packed, like a choreographed dance.”
From April 15–June 15, enjoy Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s Frozen. This production of a hit Broadway musical is great for all ages.
Children’s Theatre Company
2400 Third Ave. S., Mpls.; 612.874.0400
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