REVIEWS: COSTUME DESIGN
"Dressed sharp by costume designer Dusty Shaffer, bass player Sarah Stofer keeps it cool in a beret and sunglasses while music director (and Showboat producing artistic director) Tommy Iafrate dons a tuxedo. The boys? They arrive in neatly tailored, cream-colored suit jackets and black tux pants — with plaid cummerbunds not forgotten. The upgrade to the plaid jackets they had dreamed of comes just in time for the finale, which only adds to an already-delightful performance."
— Kelsey Francis, Quad City Times
Forever Plaid, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2013
"Overall, the play was excellent. I loved every minute of the show from the costumes designed by Dustin Shaffer, the accents, special effects, interaction with the crowd, comedy and the well-rounded actors and actresses."
— Paige Bailey, The Frostburg Bottom Line
Peter Pan, Frostburg State University, 2013
"Outfitted in costumer Dusty Shaffer’s enjoyable fairytale wardrobe – Emily Eisenman’s and Megan Mohs’ wicked stepsisters being the beneficiaries of Shaffer’s most outlandish designs."
— Mike Shulz, River Cities' Reader
Into the Woods, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2012
"Steph Garrett’s Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, meanwhile, is anything but shy. Dressed in rainbow-striped socks and suspenders (one of costume designer Dusty Shaffer’s many creations that are notable visualizations of the characters’ personalities), she’s a poster child for LGBT rights, herself the daughter of gay parents."
— Thom White, River Cities' Reader
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2012
"Costume Designer Dusty Shaffer’s creations were great and varied from historical, to rocking, and sometimes sexy."
— Mike Spain, DCMetro TheatreArts News
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 2012
"Dusty Shaffer’s costumes struck the right silly notes."
— Evans Donnell, StageCritic.com
The Book of Liz, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2009
"[...] Each actor taking on at least four wildly diverse comic roles, readily slipping in and out of designer Dusty Shaffer’s wildly eccentric costumes."
— Martin Brady, Nashville Scene
The Book of Liz, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2009
"Lighting Design by Jeremy Sinicki compliments the set and costumes, and the costumes, designed by Dustin Shaffer, deserve plenty of compliments. They run the gamut from ‘50s garb to the most outlandish garments one can imagine in neon colors with bling where appropriate."
— Dick Maxwell, The Gainesville Sun
The Rocky Horror Show, University of Florida, 2008
— Kelsey Francis, Quad City Times
Forever Plaid, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2013
"Overall, the play was excellent. I loved every minute of the show from the costumes designed by Dustin Shaffer, the accents, special effects, interaction with the crowd, comedy and the well-rounded actors and actresses."
— Paige Bailey, The Frostburg Bottom Line
Peter Pan, Frostburg State University, 2013
"Outfitted in costumer Dusty Shaffer’s enjoyable fairytale wardrobe – Emily Eisenman’s and Megan Mohs’ wicked stepsisters being the beneficiaries of Shaffer’s most outlandish designs."
— Mike Shulz, River Cities' Reader
Into the Woods, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2012
"Steph Garrett’s Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, meanwhile, is anything but shy. Dressed in rainbow-striped socks and suspenders (one of costume designer Dusty Shaffer’s many creations that are notable visualizations of the characters’ personalities), she’s a poster child for LGBT rights, herself the daughter of gay parents."
— Thom White, River Cities' Reader
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, 2012
"Costume Designer Dusty Shaffer’s creations were great and varied from historical, to rocking, and sometimes sexy."
— Mike Spain, DCMetro TheatreArts News
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 2012
"Dusty Shaffer’s costumes struck the right silly notes."
— Evans Donnell, StageCritic.com
The Book of Liz, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2009
"[...] Each actor taking on at least four wildly diverse comic roles, readily slipping in and out of designer Dusty Shaffer’s wildly eccentric costumes."
— Martin Brady, Nashville Scene
The Book of Liz, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2009
"Lighting Design by Jeremy Sinicki compliments the set and costumes, and the costumes, designed by Dustin Shaffer, deserve plenty of compliments. They run the gamut from ‘50s garb to the most outlandish garments one can imagine in neon colors with bling where appropriate."
— Dick Maxwell, The Gainesville Sun
The Rocky Horror Show, University of Florida, 2008
REVIEWS: DIRECTING
"The energetic performance by the cast adds even more to the humor. Shaffer attributes much of the show’s success to the actors. He stated, 'I cast personalities, and I looked for actors that fit the personalities of the characters.' Shaffer’s method paid off, as the acting feels authentic and natural. 'You get good actors together and you let them to do what they do, and you trust them to do their job,' Shaffer said. Those attending Barefoot in the Park can expect a phenomenal show with tons of laughs."
— Brad Kroner, The Bottom Line
Barefoot in the Park, Frostburg State University, 2013
"Under the direction of Dusty Shaffer, Actors Bridge once again showcases its dedication to the power of one-to-one—i.e., actor-to-audience—communication."
— Martin Brady, Nashville Scene
BASH: Latterday Plays, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2002
2002 Nashville Tennessean "Tennie" Awards: Best Play & Best Director
— Brad Kroner, The Bottom Line
Barefoot in the Park, Frostburg State University, 2013
"Under the direction of Dusty Shaffer, Actors Bridge once again showcases its dedication to the power of one-to-one—i.e., actor-to-audience—communication."
— Martin Brady, Nashville Scene
BASH: Latterday Plays, Actors Bridge Ensemble, 2002
2002 Nashville Tennessean "Tennie" Awards: Best Play & Best Director
