Students from Moorpark Theatre Arts Program Stitch Together Employment and Industry Accolad

MOORPARK, Calif. - Feb. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- Moorpark College's Theatre Arts and Film, Television, and Media Arts programs recently hosted their annual advisory board meeting, where faculty and industry professionals collaborate to ensure program alignment with workforce needs. Faculty member and professional costumer Haleh Risdana highlighted the industry successes of several outstanding students: Marina Wagner, Evelyn Rogers, Rhiann Olshane, Kristen Fernandez, and Noa Walker.

These students have earned notable achievements:

• Costumer's Guild West Recognition: Moorpark College costume students were invited to the prestigious Costume College event, The Costumer's Journey, in July 2025. Rhiann Olshane, a three-time Costume College scholarship recipient, has showcased Moorpark College productions in the Costumer's World West exhibition. Noa Walker has also attended. This marks the first time a college has been invited as an official group.
• Engagement with Costume Designers Guild IATSE 705: Evelyn Rogers (Our Lady of the Tortilla), Kristen Fernandez (The Tempest), Noa Walker (Sweeney Todd, Twelfth Night), and Marina Wagner (Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar), along with Risdana and Costumer's Guild West President Samantha Barry, attended an event honoring renowned designer Jenny Beavan (Cruella, The King's Speech, Furiosa).
• Motion Picture Costumers IATSE 705 Recognition: Moorpark College is now listed on the Motion Picture Costumers IATSE 705 website as a recommended institution for costuming education. This recognition has already drawn new students, including second-semester student Ren Friedman, who enrolled after discovering the program online.
• Professional Employment: Marina Wagner was recently hired by Valley Opera and Performing Arts (VOPA) to design and oversee costumes for Oklahoma! at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood.

"These successes wouldn't be possible without the support of Moorpark College's administration and funding from Perkins and Strong Workforce grants," said Risdana. "Students come from diverse backgrounds—some learning to sew, some already in the industry refining their skills, and others inspired by high school theatre experiences. What they share is a passion for turning what they love into a career."

These achievements highlight the growing reputation of Moorpark College's Career Education Technical Theatre program, which provides industry-ready training for aspiring costumers, makeup artists, scenic designers, and stage technicians. Under the guidance of Risdana (Costuming and Makeup) and Brian Koehler (Scenery and Tech), the program continues to nurture talent and provide hands-on opportunities leading to professional success.

For more information about the Moorpark College Theatre Arts costuming program, visit www.moorparkcollege.edu or contact Haleh Risdana at HRisdana@vcccd.edu.