Episode 16 | Jekyll & Hyde: Costume Designer Janessa Urwin
Written by Caitlin Sloan
In this episode of At the Barre with Madison Ballet, host Chris Fahrenthold sits down with Janessa Urwin, costume designer for Madison Ballet’s upcoming production of Jekyll & Hyde, to explore how costumes help tell a story.
Janessa shares her journey from professional ballet dancer to costume designer, including how an unexpected opportunity at American Repertory Ballet opened the door to a new career in the arts. She discusses the creative process behind designing costumes for Jekyll & Hyde, from researching Victorian influences and medical imagery to using color, texture, and structure to bring each character to life.
Drawing on her experience as a dancer, Janessa explains why functionality and safety are essential to costume design and how every garment must support the dancers’ movement and partnering demands.
Key points in this episode:
Janessa’s journey from professional ballet dancer to costume designer
The balance between visual storytelling, movement, and safety in ballet costume design
The research and creative collaboration behind the costumes for Jekyll & Hyde
How color, texture, and historical influences help distinguish the production’s characters
Career paths in the arts beyond performing and advice for dancers exploring their next steps
See JEKYLL & HYDE @ Madison Youth Arts Center October 29 - November 1, 2026
Discover more: https://www.madisonballet.org/jekyll-hyde-info
Join the conversation!
Madison Ballet Website: madisonballet.org
Madison Ballet Outreach: madisonballet.org/outreach
MB INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballet
MBO INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetoutreach
Questions/comments? Email us at outreach@madisonballet.org
Credits
PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich
DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Dana Sheldon
MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928