How Creighton Students and Faculty Connect to Wicked’s Magic

As the highly anticipated movie, Wicked, prepares to captivate audiences, Creighton University’s costume and makeup design expert in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, Lora Kaup sheds light on the creativity and complexity behind adapting this beloved musical for the big screen. From costume design to character development, Creighton’s approach to theatre education parallels the lessons learned in productions like Wicked.

Q: Why do you think Wicked resonates so deeply with audiences? 
Kaup: Wicked builds on The Wizard of Oz, an all-American fairy tale that we all grew up loving. It’s a story we’ve retold and reimagined, with offering a modern interpretation that dives into the complexities of heroes and villains. It makes us question, Is a villain always a villain? Are there shades of gray in their story? That exploration is what makes this story so compelling—it’s both timeless and timely.

Q: What challenges come with adapting a story like Wicked from stage to film? 
Kaup: Adapting for film changes everything—how costumes are designed, how characters are portrayed and even how the story is told. On stage, you’re designing for a proscenium—a large picture frame—so costumes focus on silhouette and bold visuals for a distant audience. Film, however, allows for intimate close-ups and incredible detail. It’s about shifting from macro to micro while staying true to the heart of the story.

Q: What lessons do Creighton students studying theatre learn from productions like Wicked? 
Kaup: At Creighton, we teach students that storytelling is about collaboration. From costume design to lighting, every element must come together to immerse the audience in a cohesive world. Students in our theatre programs gain hands-on experience, whether they’re designing costumes, building sets or performing on stage. They learn to ask questions like, ‘What motivates this character?’ and ‘How can we make this world authentic?’ These are the same questions guiding the Wicked movie’s creative team.

Q: How does Creighton foster creativity in theatre students? 
Kaup: We offer majors and minors in performance, technical theater and musical theater, along with a minor in dance. Productions are open to all students, regardless of their major. Our approach ensures students can explore every aspect of theater—designing, assisting, performing—and even lead student-driven productions. We’re here to support students in finding their voice and telling stories that matter.

Q: What message from Wicked do you think resonates most with students? 
Kaup: The idea that you’ve had the power all along is so inspiring. It’s about finding your voice, owning your power, and deciding how to use it. Whether it’s Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship or Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz, the core message is one of self-discovery and empowerment. That’s a message our students carry with them, not just on stage, but in life.

Creighton students are learning to transform stories that inspire. And nobody is gonna bring them down. (AHhhHHhahhhh).