Play Inc. Arts is an incredible Community Arts Education Program for students K-12 based in Cambridge, MN, an hour north of the Twin Cities. It offers youth the chance to grow themselves both on and off stage through a wide range of skill building experiential learning tracks. Mitchell participated in their Summer Youth Theatre programs from the age 11 until he graduated for Cambridge-Isanti High School in the Spring of 2013. When his sister was cast as Ursula in PLAY INC. ARTS 2023 Summer Production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” Mitchell leapt at the opportunity to travel back to Minnesota, spend time with his family, and give back to a program that help him discover his love of storytelling through garment and set him on his path to pursue his career in design.
The costume consists of 5 custom made pieces: corset, gown, panniers (set), overskirt (the tentacular bustle) and wig. Mitchell patterned everything by hand, and the construction took place over the course of 2 weeks with the assistance of two of Atelier Tillges’s very own: Denise Tillges (Mom), and Bronte Tillges (sister).
