One table, two sewing machines and an iron. That’s all Kim Bothen, co-founder of Capilano University’s Costuming for Stage and Screen program, had to work with when she was asked to develop a one-year costuming certificate program at Capilano College in 1999.

The costuming classroom, which was located in a dingy portable called the P Building, didn’t even have furniture.

“Our department assistant snuck me a key to the storage room, so I went in and ‘borrowed’ a bunch of desks, bulletin boards and chairs,” recalls Bothen with a smile. She then worked with Facilities personnel to build custom shelving, fitting areas and work tables based on industry protocols.

Despite these humble beginnings, Bothen—who was a professional costume builder and designer—forged ahead to launch the successful Costuming for Theatre and Film program in 2001 in collaboration with colleagues Jane Still, a seasoned film costumer, and Anthea Mallinson, a textile instructor at CapU.

“We all had experience at a high level of production and knew what that looked like,” says Bothen. “We wanted to show our students what was possible.”

The first theatre production the costuming students worked on was Heidi Chronicles. Because the show spanned a few decades, the costumes were essential to communicate the passing of time.

“It was a big complex show, and every scene had a full costume change for each actor, which was a challenge for new students,” says Bothen. “There was also a nine-second costume change. I fancy myself an expert in quick changes, but that was fast!”