Member Spotlight: Ellen Yoakam

Ellen Yoakam has been a steady creative force behind the scenes at Center Stage Jackson for years. As a costumer,

she manages the CSJ costume collection, works with props, jumps in as an occasional stagehand, and has organized CSJ’s participation in Jackson Cruise Nights. She has also served on numerous committees, always helping to shape the organization from the inside out.

Ellen’s journey into theatre costuming began quite by accident. When her family moved to California, she volunteered to assist the costumer on a production of Our Town – and, after a series of unexpected events, found herself becoming the costumer. Years later, after moving back to the Jackson area, her children were cast in the Michigan Theater Players’ Oliver! and she once again stepped in to help. That experience blossomed into costuming all five productions of what became the company’s final season. A Girl Scout connection with Brenda Pilgrim opened the door to Jackson Civic Theater and Clark Lake Players, which led to collaborations with Jackson College, Spring Arbor University, many local high schools, The Sauk, and Marshall Civic Players.

When asked about a favorite show or job, Ellen shares that “almost every show is my favorite while I’m working on it.” Still, two productions from 1999 hold a special place in her heart: Into the Woods and The Secret Garden. She built most of the costumes for both shows, many of which are still used today. Seeing those familiar pieces come out of storage years later feels, in her words, “like visiting with old friends.” The Secret Garden was also a family project – one child in the pit, one on spotlight, and one backstage. And according to Monty Long, she truly earned her tech crew shirt that year when she found herself trapped behind a wardrobe onstage after the lights had already come up.

Outside the theatre (a concept she jokingly questions), Ellen has always loved music. She spent years singing in church choirs, directing, playing piano, and ringing handbells. A difficult bout of bronchitis ultimately ended her ability to sing in public, but she still happily sings in her car.

A dream project still on her list is Mame, a show filled with opulent fabrics, lush styles, and extravagant period looks. Costuming period pieces and fantasies remains one of her greatest joys.

For Ellen, community theatre is meaningful because it creates access to live performance for people who may never have the chance to see Broadway or touring shows. It also provides a place for people to use their skills – whether acting, singing, sewing, building, organizing, or directing – and can become both a creative home and a launching pad. For her personally, community theatre has offered a meaningful way to engage with her family and put her sewing talents to use. Her love for costuming even inspired her to purchase a costume rental business at one point. Although that venture didn’t unfold as she hoped, it reaffirmed her passion for the transformative moment when someone puts on a costume and steps fully into their character.

Ellen’s commitment, craftsmanship, and countless hours of dedication have shaped the visual identity of so many CSJ productions. Her work elevates not only the stage, but the entire community of people who create theatre together. Center Stage Jackson is profoundly grateful for her artistry, her heart, and the legacy she continues to build with us.