Kym Laret is pivoting her expertise to help staff on campus stay safe with dozens of hand-crafted face masks. Kym is the professional staff costume technician in the Theatre, Dance, and Performance costume studio.
Like many costume professionals, when live performances were canceled and academic programs went online, she adapted her skills to meet needs. Working out of her home in Allegheny County, Kym is supplying IUP workers who have critical work keeping them on campus with face masks made of fabric from IUP's costume studio.
“I have been making masks for my friends in health care also, and it's been rewarding to be able to contribute in my own way,” says Laret.
When the need was recognized by Provost Tim Moerland and College of Fine Arts Dean Curt Scheib, the Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance was a natural place to look. Having skilled professional staff once again makes art and life better.