LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With the upcoming production of Animal Farm by the Lake County Theatre Co., Director Tim Barnes turned to Andrea Anderson to transform the actors into farm animals in a post-apocalyptic style.

Barnes is familiar with the costumes Anderson pieces together with rescued items she finds while volunteering at the Meals On Wheels Thrift Store in Lakeport.

Barnes’ vision was to take the historically relevant story of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” into the future by telling it as a post-apocalyptic nomadic theatre troupe, inspired by the Big Read book “Station Eleven.”

By design the set, and even some of the promotional materials, will all be made of repurposed items.

If you’ve attended any local event that provides a dress-up opportunity, or shopped at the Lakeport Farmers Market, you probably know Anderson.

Recycled fantasy art and costumery is her specialty, and she loves the opportunity to dress up and show off her art.

Barnes wanted someone who was creative enough to put a costume together using whatever they could get their hands on. That’s definitely Anderson.

Barely knowing how to operate a sewing machine, Anderson typically spends at least a month repurposing her thrift store finds to transform herself into a pirate, mad hatter or mermaid, to name just a few. Her favorite is her A. Violet Butterfly fairy costume.

Creating around 20 characters in the time she would normally make one or two of her own costumes is one of the toughest challenges she has faced in a long time. But Anderson is never one to turn down a challenge.

Armed with a hot glue gun, scissors, pliers and and a needle, her brilliant imagination, and a mix of clothes, belts, and hats from the thrift store, Anderson is skillfully bringing Barnes’ vision to life. She even unravelled an old belt and used the individual threads to sew other pieces together.

Although initially unsure she was right for the job, Anderson values Barnes opinion and appreciates his confidence in her abilities.

As a fan of the Lake County Theatre Co. and Barnes’ work, Anderson trusts that the show will be a great success. She is proud to be a part of the production crew and bear the title “costume mistress.”

Running March 9 to March 24, “Animal Farm” shows will be at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. There will be a bonus 2 p.m. show on March 24.

You can learn more about Anderson’s creativity at www.avioletbutterfly.com.

Tickets for “Animal Farm” and other information are available at www.lctc.us or by calling 707-278-9628.