Our production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is set in the late 2000s to early 2010s, capturing the awkward yet endearing essence of tweens navigating the transition from middle school to high school. Through the costume design, the director and I aimed to evoke nostalgia for the audience, reminding them of their own coming-of-age experiences during this time period.

Each outfit draws inspiration from the fashion trends of the time—layered graphic tees, bold patterns, chunky sneakers, quirky accessories—while also hinting at the unique personalities of the young contestants.
The design underscores the production's theme: "Growing up is hard. Let's remember that, let's laugh together." - PS. Through these costumes, we hope to foster a sense of humility and shared experience, celebrating the universal challenges of growing up.