John Faas as Carol Channing
After 12 years in nonprofit arts fundraising here in Dayton, John Faas decided “that it was time to pursue what I was passionate about and what made me truly happy.”
And that’s how the brand new business John Faas Designs, LLC, Independent Costume designer and builder was born. John shares “the transition has been challenging, but far more rewarding for me personally and professionally.”
While he’s been busy painting and setting up his new studio, John found the time to tell us a little about how this business was born.
When did you start sewing and who taught you?
I learned to sew around the age of 12 or 13. My grandmother taught me to sew on an old machine I borrowed from a neighbor. I continued sewing since then. As a senior at Chippewa High School in Doylestown, Ohio I costumed and entire production of CHILDREN OF EDEN, which I was also cast in!
What’s the first piece of clothing you made and were proud of?
Probably the first time I recreated Carol Channing’s iconic, red Harmonia Gardens gown from the musical, “HELLO, DOLLY!” I was a freshman musical theatre major at Wright State. The attempt was a valiant effort, but my finishing skills left a great deal to be desired. The costume was a hit though!
I’ve since made 3 more versions of the gown, the last one being the most accurate to the original and my personal favorite.
Thus far, my biggest pleasure has been having the Rubi Girls wear my Dolly costumes at The Show Must Go On, their 2017 Thanksgiving show.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Thus far, my inspiration comes from an image or a silhouette, and I usually reference the work of well known costume designers. Factually, I love doing recreation or restoration work, where I can build replicas of famous designs. I prefer to build, rather than design I suppose.
My favorite recreation thus far has been the Ascot dress from the film adaptation of the musical MY FAIR LADY that I built for Rubi Girl, Minnie Skirt (Alex Everett), pictured right.
How did you decide to open your business?
Once I decided to take the leap and chase the dream, I reached out to a couple sources.
Firstly, it was my hope to be able to purchase the inventory from the ACT ONE Costume Company on 5th Street which closed down in December 2017. I had a brief phone conversation with the owner regarding his 18,000 piece inventory. Unfortunately, that’s where the conversation stopped for me because I knew I would never be able to offer a competitive price at this point in the game. I would need a major investment from someone to even consider moving forward with that.
However, to honor the local history of the name ACT ONE Costumes, I filed my business under the name ACT TWO Costume Company and John Faas Designs, LLC and will do business as both.
Next I spoke with Jerid Martel and Bruce Lindsey of MJ’s on Jefferson. They had recently (along with Matt Ross) purchased the building where they opened their new MJ’s in 2014 and had business space for lease. Initially, when I was scouting ACT ONE, I wanted to renovate the 4th floor of their building. However, again, not in my price range lol.
So we agreed on three smaller, but sufficient suites on their 3rd floor. We moved in early last month and I’ve started painting and getting situated. Thanks to some dear friends, my wonderful husband (Mike Embree), and a very generous benefactor, I have been able to sort of hit the ground running.
My long term goal is to build collections for every major theatrical production and then become a fully functioning costume rental business. Dayton has so much theatre and the drag community here is massive. We desperately deserve and need a fabulous costume shop!
Who is an ideal client for you? 
Someone who communicates their vision clearly, and is responsive. Building clothing is personal. Think about it, the whole point of hiring someone to build a garment for you is to have exactly what you want and feel amazing in it!
As it is now, my primary clientele will most-likely consist of drag performers and theatre companies….and what could possibly be more fun than that?!!
What’s the process for someone who would like to hire you to make them an outfit and about how long does it take?
First and foremost, I like to have a conversation with the client to get a clear picture of what they desire. Then we discuss the shape and fabrics. All fabrics are approved by the client before they are purchased. Then, I must measure the client thoroughly.
Each project takes a different amount of time, determined by me and based on the client’s deadline. More elaborate garments obviously require a longer build time. More expensive or delicate fabrics will also vary in their own price but also in labor.
Prices vary depending on many different situations. I usually quote a price before any agreements are made, etc. Upon completion of the garment, final balance is due at the time of delivery….or I keep the garment. Of course, with all of this being very new, I’m certain I will learn infinitely more about what to do and what not to do.
Do you only make clothes?
No! I also make hats. I’ve made nearly all of my own headpieces and hats for all of my costumes. I haven’t ventured into blocking my own hat frames yet….but I am in the process of designing and building my own line of fascinator hats! Details to come!
Are you a drag performer?
Ha! Yes, and no. I have performed live as Carol Channing on multiple occasions. I don’t lipsync like most drag performers do. As a trained actor and singer, I do it live. I don’t have a drag persona per say. I really only ever appear in drag as a famous theatre star or character…usually as Dolly Levi and I rarely actually perform.
John Faas Designs LLCis physically located at 24 North Jefferson Street, 3rd Floor
Dayton, OH 45402 directly above MJ’s on Jefferson.
For more info please contact John Faas at 937 305 9552 or via email [email protected].
(Website is currently under construction, but coming soon! www.act2costumes.com)
Beerologist, libationist, beer devotee, wert guru, beer maven, beer expert, hophead, beer snob, a tippler, a grog artist, a boozer, a beer buff, beer nut, a slops surveyor, an ale addict,beeroisseur, a hops handler, a quaffer, or chairman of the brewed. Whatever you call yourself, Dayton certainly offers lots of options for beer lovers.
Moeller Brew Barn in Maria Stein, just celebrated their 3rd anniversary at their original location in May, and now they’ve announced they’ll be opening a second location in downtown Troy. In the Spring of 2019, 
Yellow Cab Tavern has announced a new format for the 4th annual BEER! event. Partnering the Celebration of Dayton Brewing with their August Food Truck Rally, the event will take place on on Friday, August 17 from 5-10pm.
The 179
FAIR HOURS
(Bring a non-perishable food item – get in for $3)
Dayton Native Zac Pitts, a local tv host and member of the band Flee the Valley and his business partner (and fiancee) Ashley Karsten have just announced the launch of their passion project, 
. There are countless people who’ve helped me get to where I’m at in my career and now is my chance to give back to the city that made me who I am.”
Ride the Wolf Creek Trail to the final home of poet and author Paul Laurence Dunbar. See exhibits on Dunbar’s life and works, and tour the home where he lived with his mother Matilda until his death in 1906. This ride is a great way to get comfortable with cycling.
Mary Kathryn Burnside is one of those people that just makes things happen in Dayton. A business owner, her Clash boutique in the Oregon District will celebrate it’s 7th birthday this August. Her shop is constantly morphing, carrying vintage and locally made clothing as well as artwork, locally made jewelry, art and so much more. A true Patron of the Arts, Mary Kathryn says “
Twice a year, every January and July for one week Dayton restaurants put together a 3 course pre fixe meal deal as part of Miami Valley Restaurant Week. In full disclosure, I created this event when I was the Board President of the local association. We started recruiting for it in 2004 and we launched it in winter of 2005. The 3 course meal deal was offered by $20.05, to reflect the year and $1 of each meal was donated to a local charity and all participants were locally owned. At it’s peak we had about 60 restaurants participating. Over the years it’s changed some, now offering various price options: $20.18, $25.18, or $30.18 and chain restaurants are also taking part.
In the sweetest promotion we’ve heard about in quite a while, Cake, Hope and Love has just announced a contest that will give one lucky winner a years worth of cupcakes. Announced today via Facebook Live, bakery owners Shannon & Mike Teague are challenging Cake Nation to take pictures of themselves all around the region with their new Cake Dealer bumper stickers.
For each picture you post, you get one entry. More pictures- more chances to win! You’ll also earn bonus points if the bumper sticker is on your car (it doesn’t have to be) and if Shannon sees your car out and about with the sticker on it, she’ll post a picture and if you call and identify it- you’ll win a free celebration cake.
Watermark in Miamisburg has just announced it will be creating another of its famed theme dinners on Thursday, August 9th at 6:30pm. This time around, you’re invited to experience a tropically warm summer night with a special Tiki Night Dinner.
FilmDayton is proud to bring back Marisha Mukerjee to teach a “Mini-Master Class” on pilot script writing. Ms. Mukerjee was a FilmDayton board member and helped produce the first FilmDayton Festival in 2009 before she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her writing career.
Marisha has worked on the productions of Copper on BBCA (Cineflix Studios) and Justified on FX. Marisha’s writer credits include the critically acclaimed FX series The Bridge, the NBC series Heroes Reborn, Quantico on ABC, and currently Titans for D.C. Comics. Recently her serialized crime show AGAIN, set in India, was picked up by Netflix. She splits her time between Los Angeles and India.
Fairborn city manager Rob Anderson knew he needed to reinvigorate the downtown business corridor for his city to thrive. One of his strategies was to buy four empty buildings on Main Street and hire Tonia Fish as the revitalization specialist. Tonia wasted no time in creating a plan that would make the city of Fairborn a catalyst to creating specialty food businesses.
lucky enough to get to taste some of Amber’s baked goods and I have to tell you the nutella cinnamon roll (pictured) I tried was truly the best I’ve ever had.
Rachel founded Grateful Grahams, an artisanal graham cracker company in 2010. Stemming from the success of Grateful Grahams, Rachel started the 
From food truck to bricks and mortar, another popular food truck is making the leap. This Tuesday, July 17th at 11am The Vistro will open their doors at 3937 Linden Ave. This location has housed many ethnic restaurants in the past, most recently Al-Mandi, but before one of my favorite ethnic eateries Antojitos Criollos, which served Puerto Rican food.
Also popular are their noodle salads – vermicelli noodles, cilantro, bean sprouts, onions, mint, pickled carrots, fresh cucumber slices, jalapenos served in a zesty sweet and spicy asian vinaigrette, with the option to add your favorite protein. And of course they’ll have noodle soups aka Pho.
