Larry Boggs — A Costume Designer Shaping Harlem Collective

A Journey That Spans Continents Larry Boggs’ path to Harlem is as rich and textured as the productions he designs.…
1 Min Read 0 845

A Journey That Spans Continents

Larry Boggs’ path to Harlem is as rich and textured as the productions he designs.

A native of Clinton, Maryland, and a proud representative of Prince George’s County, Larry first discovered his artistic voice at Morgan State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music, graduating Magna Cum Laude. His studies laid a foundation in both technical skill and creative vision, but it was his time at New York University that expanded his perspective, blending education with performance and opening doors to new artistic horizons.

Larry’s creativity truly took flight during a transformative nine-month journey aboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner, a 7-star cruise ship where he contributed his talents to international productions while traveling across South America. This experience deepened his understanding of costume design as not just craft, but a universal language — a way to tell stories that cross borders and cultures.

Design Credits That Speak Volumes

Larry’s work has been seen on some of the most respected stages in the Baltimore–Washington D.C. region, from contemporary musicals to culturally rooted storytelling:

Baltimore Center Stage: The Looking Glass – Young Playwrights Festival, Cinderella (Enchanted), CROWNS

ArtsCentric: Once on This Island, For Colored Girls…, The Scottsboro Boys, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Olney Theatre Center: And the World Goes ’Round – The Music of Kander & Ebb

Everyman Theatre: And the World Goes ’Round – The Music of Kander & Ebb

Each production reflects Larry’s versatility, attention to detail, and ability to honor the story’s cultural roots, bringing authenticity and elegance to every stage he touches.

A Creative Force in the Harlem Collective

Within Harlem Collective, Larry’s artistry extends far beyond the stage. He contributes to a full spectrum of initiatives, ensuring that every performance, shoot, and promotional moment reflects the dignity, excellence, and cultural richness Harlem Collective represents. His work supports:

• The two-year residency at the Victoria Theater (Apollo-Victoria)

• Harlem Boys Choir revival

• Harlem Collective Opera

• Harlem Chamber Orchestra

• Mood Magazine (print + digital playbill)

• The Morning Show

• Harlem Essential Walking Tours

• Mais Soufflé Gourmet Popcorn activations

Craft, Culture, and Character

Larry doesn’t just design costumes; he tells stories through them. His work:

• Upholds the cultural integrity of each narrative

• Helps performers embody their characters fully

• Fuses heritage with contemporary design

• Elevates the visual identity of Harlem Collective across stages and screens

Through Larry’s artistry, characters are revealed, narratives are enriched, and audiences are transported.

A Pillar of Harlem’s Cultural Renaissance

Larry Boggs is one of the quiet yet undeniable forces shaping Harlem Collective’s revival. His work is meticulous, intentional, and soulful, helping define how Harlem sees itself and how the world sees Harlem. His designs do more than clothe performers — they bring stories to life, celebrate culture, and leave a lasting impression on every audience.

The Harlem Collective is proud to call him part of its creative family.

Volunteer Call to Action

If you’re interested in volunteering in the wardrobe department and contributing to Harlem Collective’s productions at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, email wardrobe@harlemboyschoir.org.

Jarvus Ricardo Hester

JARVUSHESTER

Jarvus Ricardo Hester Founder, Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief, and Cultural Storyteller Jarvus Ricardo Hester is an opera singer, arts administrator, media executive, and entrepreneur dedicated to making the arts more accessible while preserving and amplifying the stories that shape communities. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Harlem Collective Opera, Harlem Boys Choir, and the Harlem Chamber Orchestra, organizations committed to expanding access to classical music through innovative performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement. As Editor-in-Chief of Mood Magazine NYC and the founder of the Mood Media Network, Hester oversees a growing multimedia ecosystem that includes WHRL Mood Radio Harlem, The Morning Show NYC, After Hours NYC, and Mood TV. Through these platforms, he curates stories that explore culture, travel, wellness, food, literature, business, and the arts from Harlem to communities around the world. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Hester has performed with professional opera companies and has dedicated his career to reimagining how audiences experience classical music. His work consistently bridges the worlds of performance, journalism, tourism, education, and community development. His signature initiative, The Black Composer Project, celebrates the contributions of Black classical composers through immersive concert experiences that combine music, storytelling, and historical exploration. Whether through a live performance, a magazine feature, a radio broadcast, or a community partnership, Hester's work is guided by a simple philosophy: Stories create connections. Art builds communities. Culture preserves legacy. Harlem to the world. Be a part of the story.
Verified by MonsterInsights