Antoinette Reason is learning some of the finer points of life through sewing.

For the past four months, the Milton Hershey School sophomore helped sew more than 35 costumes for the school's production of "The Wizard of Oz," which takes to the stage tonight.

The experience was part of a costume-design class Antoinette is taking at the school, taught by international wedding dress designer Janell Berté, owner of Janell Berté Designs, 248 E. Liberty St.

Among her credits, Berté in 2006 designed and created dresses for the Hollywood film "Something New."

Antoinette, 16, of Lancaster, said she was an average seamstress when she started the class.

"I was a little intimidated by having Ms. Berté as a teacher," Antoinette said recently. "But soon I learned different types of sewing and was putting petticoats together and sewing in collars and zippers."

Sophomore Emerald Shin, who also is enrolled in Berté's class, said stitching the elaborate costumes makes class time go by quickly.

"It's fun when I'm not stabbing myself in the finger," Emerald said with a laugh. "It's also made me a little more patient. I'm not a patient person. Now I have to be careful when I make a mistake because then I'll have to start over."

There are six students in Berté's class. Since January, four of the students have sewn 36 Munchkin costumes, as well as bat, bee and fairy costumes for the musical. The other two students have been busy cutting cloth.

Berté designed the costumes for four of the main characters at her shop in Lancaster.

Tonight will be the first time Milton Hershey School has staged a full-length musical. Usually, students perform a musical revue consisting of snippets from different productions. Costumes for those shows were rented from local colleges.

Julian Wilder, a sophomore, volunteered to sew costumes — even though he is not in Berté's class.

"I've always watched my mom sew and have seen what she does," he said. "I thought, 'Why not do it?' "

Berté began teaching at the school in October when the school contacted her about providing costume design student Rebecka Marchese with an internship.

Berté said she agreed to take on Rebecka as an intern. Through those conversations, however, she learned the school had a teaching position open. She said she was thrilled at the opportunity.

"I've always taught at the college level," Berté said. "But this experience has surpassed my college experience."

Berté said that's partly because she identifies with students.

"When I was 12, I found my passion for sewing because of my sewing teacher," Berté said. "I hope that I bring that same experience to these kids."

Rebecka said she can't describe all the things she's learned.

"What haven't I learned?" she said. "It's been amazing."

More than 100 cast members from all grade levels will participate in the musical. The curtain goes up at 7:30 tonight in the school's Founders Hall.

Berté said she believes the students' having made the costumes will give them an added sense of satisfaction.

"When they look at what they've created, they should be very proud," she said.

E-mail: mpennino@lnpnews.com