During my studies in Theatre and Performance Design, I gained practical and hypothetical experience of all areas of the subject, working through several roles within set, lighting and costume design from assistant, through to designer. As a producing house with several public performance spaces, each show incorporated all areas of professional practice, allowing students to experience the role first hand with the support of peers and guidance of tutors. Working alongside my studies on several shows a year allowed me to apply my knowledge and skills and gain first-hand experience of each role involved in the design and making of performance.
After graduating I worked predominantly within touring theatre, at first in house at several venues receiving a range of productions and working alongside touring companies, and later using the knowledge and contacts I had gained, to take several shows around the UK and internationally as a Wardrobe Assistant and later Deputy Head of Wardrobe. Gaining first-hand experience of a vast range of shows allowed me to see each production from loading in and building scenery, to assisting in the costume department, dressing and running repairs. Working on a range of productions has given me a unique insight into the ways in which each show adapts to work within a new venue, learning tricks of the trade which I could then apply when touring.
Alongside this work I have also worked on several freelance projects as well as festivals. At Phoenix Dance Theatre in Leeds, I had the opportunity to use my interdepartmental skills to work as a Wardrobe Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager and general Crew. This ability to bridge departments has proved invaluable as I am able to turn my hand to assist any member of the team wherever needed, building and reupholstering props one minute and focusing lighting the next.
During my free time I like to keep busy with a range of creative projects and commissions. This allows me to keep my creativity flowing expanding upon my skills learnt throughout my work and study. I am constantly experimenting and pushing myself to develop and learn new skills such as knitting, sculpting, sewing and painting.