Ilia Rivera, fondly known as “The Costumes Lady”, spent a decade sharing her talents with Limelight. She came to us in 2008 as a parent volunteer willing to help with costumes to create a bond with her two daughters through their shared love for the theater. Over the years she grew to become a consistent collaborator, costume guru, and occasional performer herself. When her family relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2018, she joined the Arkansas Public Theater as a costume designer. She credits her experience working with Limelight and the Oswego East High School Theatre program with preparing her for that next adventure and opportunity!
While we miss Ilia and her family, we love cheering them on from afar. Here is what Ilia has to say about her time with Limelight.
What is your favorite show that you did or part that you played with Limelight?
As a performer Ma Bailey, as a costumer Once on this Island
Most memorable Limelight experience?
Seeing so many kids grow not only physically but as artists in various disciplines.
What is something you learned from Limelight?
Nothing is impossible if you work as a team!
What does Limelight mean to you?
A lot! Limelight allowed a volunteer mom to turn from lifelong theatre lover into “the costumes lady”. Gave my daughters (and myself) some of our best friends. A new family!
What is your advice for other theater artists?
Follow your dreams, trust in your abilities and believe in yourself!
Anything else you would like to share?
Limelight has a very special place in our heart and will always be our home! Thank you for 10 wonderful years, congratulations on the 20th anniversary! Best wishes for many, many more!
