By Hana Al-Henaid

Costume designer Lisa Peters is always on pins and needles. Well, her mind is at least. 
From the moment she receives a script until the actual curtain call, Peters races with the clock to analyze the script, mood and characters of the play, create sketches for costumes and make, rent or purchase the rest of the pieces for the upcoming show.  When she finally thinks she might be able to relax, the actors show up.

After designing and creating the costumes, Peters has to fit them to each of the actors and ultimately ensure the perfection of every costume-related detail for opening night.
The entire process usually takes about eight weeks. Peters has been involved in costume design since her sophomore year at Norco Senior High School when she participated in a production of Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap.”

It was not until she accepted the position as costume designer in the fall of 2004 that Peters began her teaching career.

“I was interested in teaching others about design,” Peters said.  “That’s why I came to Harvard-Westlake.”

Peters has contributed more than costumes to the school. Two years ago, she redesigned the school’s costume shop during summer vacation. 

“I really enjoyed using my design experience in a whole new way,” Peters said. “I was able to create a shop that would enhance productivity and create a more functional environment for the students.”

At the conclusion of the fall musical “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, Peters packed away every hat, shawl and skirt used throughout the production. She is now in the beginning design stages for the next production, the spring play “You Can’t Take It with You” by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman.