For many Samford students, Step Sing is measured in minutes: a perfectly timed entrance, a swell of long-practiced music, confetti drifting down to the grid.
But behind those few moments on the Wright Center stage is months of unseen work, much of it guided by Mary Gurney, the steady creative force behind Step Sing costuming.
Gurney has served as a costume designer in the Samford Theatre Department since 2008, and each spring she consults with 16-18 student groups as they bring their Step Sing visions to life.
Long before the stage lights come up, she is meeting with directors, turning theme ideas into tangible costume designs, balancing creativity with comfort and ensuring that hundreds of performers can move, dance and perform without distraction.
“Step Sing feels like the heartbeat of campus as we begin the spring semester,” Gurney said. “It’s more than a show; it’s a moment when creativity, community and fellowship intersect.”
For her, the tradition is about more than just fabric or color palettes, but about witnessing students pour their whole hearts into something that exists only briefly on stage.
“Being even a small part of this Samford tradition is an honor,” she added.
That “small part” often involves massive effort. Once student directors finalize their show themes, they meet with Gurney to begin the costume approval process.
From there, she searches for pieces that align with each group’s vision while staying within budget, often placing and managing large orders during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks.
Junior Alpha Delta Pi director Jackie Taylor experienced that dedication firsthand. “Mary has one of the most creative minds,” Taylor said. “She not only helps us with ideas, but she searches different clothing sites for the best deals and completes the orders for us. Knowing it’s in her hands puts our minds completely at ease.”
For Taylor, who directed for the first time last year, Gurney’s guidance was invaluable.
When ADPI needed Olympic-style tracksuits, Gurney helped identify affordable options and even advised on the cheapest and easiest way to add custom stripes.
During the break, she arranged pick-ups and assisted with alterations, work that allowed the directors to focus on choreography and storytelling. “With Mary’s help, the process is so smooth,” Taylor said. “Without the costumes, our vision wouldn’t come to life.”
Behind the scenes, Gurney is constantly balancing creativity with practicality. Each group needs dozens of identical garments in multiple sizes that must stretch, breathe, and stay secure.
“Every seam, button, and zipper is intentional,” she explained. “If a costume distracts a performer for even a moment, it isn’t doing its job.”
Gurney says that what keeps her returning year after year is simple.
“The students. Their excitement is contagious. Step Sing is one of those rare experiences where everyone is working toward something bigger than themselves,” Gurney said. “Being part of that, helping turn imagination into reality, and watching students shine make all the long hours worth it every single year.”
Staff Reporter
