Maya Patrick, a 28-year-old costume designer from Detroit, is gearing up for a significant event as the touring production of Beauty and the Beast arrives at the Fisher Theatre for a 12-day run starting on October 1, 2023. While Patrick considers Detroit her hometown, she has spent the past seven years on the road, primarily working as an assistant and wardrobe supervisor for various Broadway productions.
Patrick has extensive experience backstage at the Fisher Theatre, having previously worked on productions such as Annie and Some Like It Hot. “It’s always exciting to be back,” she said in a phone interview from a tour stop in South Carolina. “That’s my roots, yeah. I always make sure I can get as much family as I can to come see it whenever I’m home.”
As the wardrobe supervisor for Beauty and the Beast, Patrick oversees a team of nine local dressers and a laundry specialist. The production features a dazzling array of costumes that reflect the rich visual heritage of the classic Disney film. “We make sure that all of the costumes look pretty,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of meeting audience expectations for a show renowned for its opulence.
The costume maintenance involves steaming, ironing, and repairing garments, as well as preparing daily outfits for the cast. One of Patrick’s key responsibilities is to ensure that Belle’s iconic ballroom gown remains stunning throughout the production. “We only have one,” she explained, “so that has to be kept up.” The gown is shared among the actors portraying Belle, with each having their own bodice.
Patrick’s journey into the world of costuming began unexpectedly. Growing up in Detroit, she had a passion for theatre but did not initially consider a career behind the scenes. “I never really had a lot of exposure to the technical side of things,” she shared. A pivotal moment came when her mother introduced her to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she discovered the field of costume design.
After graduating, Patrick quickly transitioned into the touring theatre world, joining the crew of Cats as a wardrobe supervisor just months after completing her studies. She has since worked on notable productions including Jagged Little Pill and Some Like It Hot. Reflecting on her role in Beauty and the Beast, she expressed her excitement about being involved in a production that holds a special place in her heart. “I was always kind of obsessed with the Disney princesses, so I really get the Disney magic of it all,” she remarked.
While the demands of touring can be intense, Patrick values the community she has built within the theatre industry. “Once you start touring, you start seeing a lot of the same people,” she stated. This familiarity among the crew and cast enhances the experience, making the rigorous schedule more enjoyable.
Despite the challenges of being away from home, Patrick appreciates the opportunities touring provides. “I get to see family because we’ve got family across the country,” she noted, highlighting how the lifestyle allows her to connect with loved ones more than she would while living in one location.
Patrick has no immediate plans to change her path. “I’ve never had a specific dream about living in New York and working on Broadway,” she said. “Touring is a lifestyle I’ve found to be so fun.” With her passion for theatre and dedication to her craft, Maya Patrick continues to thrive on the road, bringing the magic of live performance to audiences across the nation.
The production of Beauty and the Beast opens at 7:30 p.m. on October 1 and runs through October 12 at the Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. For more information, tickets can be obtained by calling 313-872-1000 or visiting broadwayindetroit.com.
