SU's Pyles Selected for New York Theatre Mentorship Program

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University senior Imari Pyles has immersed herself in the world of theatre and her commitment is giving back to her this year as she has won a spot in the Boundless Exposed Workshop this summer for young designers of color.

“I am beyond honored to have been chosen,” said Pyles, who earned the spot over not only other students, but graduates and professionals in the industry who applied for the mentorship program. “I’m hoping to learn more about the collaborative process that happens when putting on a professional show while also learning what it takes to be a professional costume designer.”

Boundless Theatre Company selects one individual for each of its four positions to work through an intensive seven-week collaborative program alongside professional mentors, which includes an $800 stipend. Pyles was selected for the lone costume design position and has the opportunity to work closely with mentor Sarita Fellows who has more than 10 film credits and more than 15 professional theatre credits.

The opportunity to work with an established theatre company – particularly in New York City – can be hard enough to obtain, but it is even harder as a person of color and Pyles is grateful for the program and the doors it can open for her and others who have the same dreams.

“As a woman of color, I have always felt underrepresented in the arts and want desperately to change that,” said Pyles. “I want to see more people who look like me on stage and off stage showing how beautiful different cultures and people can be. Theatre is supposed to be a world for all people and I'm glad to be a part of a group that is making room for those who haven't always been included.”

Pyles’ selection for the program will hopefully not only shine a light on the quality of SU’s theatre program, but also draw more from underrepresented groups to join.

“I’m very proud that we have a diverse population in our theatre program,” said Leslie Yarmo, associate professor of theatre, costume designer for SU theatre and Pyles’ mentor on campus. “I’m hoping that this award sends a message to other people of color that they are welcome in our program and their presence enriches our program.”

Design is not Pyles’ only passion, having been the costume designer for SU’s production of Everybody, she also has been an actor in SU productions, including playing the lead in Meet Vera Stark last spring. That knowledge of both sides of the theatrical process can only help her as she enters the workshop.

“It’s really important as a designer that you understand what actors’ needs are,” said Yarmo. “You need to be able to communicate with them to let the actors know what you’re thinking for the design based on the development of the character. The actor may have certain movements that they need to perform, and they need to be comfortable in the costume. Imari understands that having worked in these different areas, she has a great understanding of importance of collaboration.”

The workshop participants will complete their designs remotely this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but at completion their designs will be utilized in a professional production in New York, as a one-act play will be written based on their interpretation of the story.

“She’s going to be leaving her undergraduate career not only with a mainstage show which she’s designed here at SU, and the leading credits as an actor, but with a production at a theatre in New York City on her resume,” said Yarmo. “That’s pretty amazing.”

For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU website.