What does it take to bring a character to life before they ever step on stage?

In this episode of Community Theater in MoCo, host Rachel Migone sits down with Jennifer Morrissey, founder of the Next Generation Arts Council and one of Montgomery County's most accomplished community theater costume designers. Jennifer shares how a childhood sewing lesson from her grandmother grew into creating costumes for countless productions—and why every stitch helps tell a story.

From hunting through thrift stores for hidden treasures to pulling off 90-second costume changes, Jennifer offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork that audiences rarely get to see. She also shares memorable backstage stories from productions like Shrek, explains how she collaborates with directors, actors, and set designers, and reveals why community theater is about so much more than what's happening on stage.

The conversation also explores Jennifer's passion for making theater accessible to young performers through the Next Generation Arts Council, a nonprofit youth theater program that removes financial barriers by offering tuition-free participation. She discusses why the arts help build confidence, critical thinking, collaboration, and lifelong skills that extend far beyond the theater.

Whether you're an actor, volunteer, theater lover, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this episode celebrates the dedicated people whose work makes community theater possible.

In this episode you'll hear about:

• How Jennifer became a costume designer
• The creative process behind designing costumes for every production
• Funny and unforgettable backstage costume emergencies
• The realities of costuming on a community theater budget
• Why youth theater and arts education matter
• The mission behind the Next Generation Arts Council
• Why live community theater continues to bring people together