BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design graduates Lauren Hickman and Liv Wright have completed work experience at York Theatre Royal, one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious theatres. The two graduates worked on the large community show ‘Sovereign’  performed in King’s Manor a production based on the historical mystery novel written by C. J. Sansom, about Henry VIII’s visit to York in 1544. Gaining vital skills as costume makers and dressers this experience is a fantastic opportunity for our young costume graduates which demonstrates the industry focus of our BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design course and the enterprising attitude of our students.

We caught up with them both to find out more about working on the production and to find out about how studying with us prepared them for life after university, scroll to find out more.

Tell us about your work experience at York Theatre Royal, how did you find out about it and secure the placement?

Lauren: I was given Hazel’s (Head of Wardrobe at York Theatre Royal) email via my tutor Jane. I was then able to discuss and arrange the placement with her over the phone.

Liv: I originally found out about it from York Theatre Royal social media, posting about wanting volunteers to make costumes, I went along to the evening meeting and asked if I would be able to do it as work experience. The dates given were the two weeks before Easter which was the same as Lauren’s work experience arrangement, so we decided to do it together.

Tell us about your task and what was the biggest thing you learnt from your experience?

Lauren: ‘Sovereign’ was a large-scale community show performed in King’s Manor, based on the historical mystery novel written by C. J. Sansom, about when Henry VIII visited York in 1544. I volunteered as a costume maker and dresser over a four month period, which means I was involved in both the pre-production elements of the project as well as the full technical run of the show

As a volunteer costume maker, I worked with the wonderful wardrobe team assisting with the pattern cutting, creating sewing bundles for the community volunteers, millinery, corsetry, and the repairs and adjustments of the costumes after fittings. Later, as a volunteer dresser, I helped with quick changes, the organisation of the wardrobe area and quick change bay, assisting the cast into and out of their period costumes, repairs, laundry requirements, communication with the rest of the dressing team, cast and crew, and following a track which clarified all the costume tasks required for me to do at my stage door.

The biggest thing I have learnt from this experience is how vital teamwork is. It really confirmed how important it is to be able to collaborate with others, listening and discussing solutions with each other. I really enjoyed considering alternative perspectives to my own and just constantly learning new things from each other!

Liv: I helped experiment the new patterns and instructions for the volunteers, cut pattern pieces and made bundles as well as labelled and altered existing costumes. We were then asked if we were available and would like to be volunteer dressers for the actual run of the production. Sadly, I was unable to do the full run, but I did get the chance to work during tech weeks plus a couple of the shows. Being a dresser was a lot of fun and I enjoyed making new friends with the actors while helping them get ready. I helped make any notes on anything that needed fixing or finding parts of costumes which were either missing or needed replacing. I also got the chance to be a costume track and was based at one of the entrances, making sure everyone’s costumes were correct before going onto stage, this also included helping with quick changes and making notes on anything that needed fixing on the costumes.

The biggest thing I learnt was probably what it was like to work on a big production and not just having made something separately that was then used. The behind the scenes is nonstop most of the time but it was fun, and I enjoyed seeing that side of the production with all the different sections, lighting, sound, props etc. I started off being really unsure if I was doing alright but after a couple of hours and tips from others working there, I started to really enjoy it and when I was finished, I didn’t want it to end. I went to see the show as an audience member and I feel like I enjoyed it more as I knew what was going on behind the scenes and how much hard work went into creating it and the fact I was a small part of that just was really special. I even helped with the dressers before the show one last time before seeing the show.

How did your course prepare you for working in the industry?

Lauren: The costume course at The Northern School of Art covers a lot of different sewing specialisms, such as tailoring and millinery, which invited me as an individual to develop my skills as a seamstress and costume maker. This supplied me with valuable skills I then apply, often without thought, to every sewing project I approach thereafter, such as this work experience opportunity. The course also prepared me for both independent and collaborative making, which is a very vital component in the industry. It has also made my mindset so flexible, as I am now open to trying new things, unlike before university where I held myself back and stayed in my comfort zone. I now have the confidence to make something new and just have a go, trusting the learning process. This is all because of the excellent staff leading and teaching the course. They were so open and honest as they guided me through the difficulties and challenges, I faced in each project.

Liv: I think my course helped me prepare for working in the industry especially when working to a deadline and specifically when listening to instructions and following them quickly but efficiently. It was also helpful to be taught what to bring with you when working in the industry, such as extra thread, needles and scissors, a notebook and pen etc in your bumbag just in case something happens and you need to fix it quickly and then sort it out properly later on. I even learnt a few extra tips while working there which helped a lot. I don’t think there was any big surprises, what I needed such as driving and photography but everyone was super nice and even offered to drive me to my hostel or even home when I nearly missed my train as I was so focused in the job and forgot the time.

What did you enjoy about the BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design course?

Lauren: There was so much freedom on this course. I was allowed to explore my own niche and style of costume throughout the three years. I really delved into skills from every job roll imaginable in the costume industry, because of how the course and topics were set out. I was the director, costume designer, costume supervisor, costume maker, milliner, tailor, buyer, budgeter, dresser, stylist, and writer of my own projects, from the character concepts to the themes and genres of the costumes I produced. It allows you to explore creative concepts, preparing you for many avenues of work in in the industry. You then gain the confidence to try new projects out so that you can apply for any job opportunity that comes your way.

Liv: I really enjoyed the different modules and the ability to express yourself in your work with the guidance from the tutors. The tutors were absolutely amazing, and I will miss them but they helped me grow in myself and my work. I really enjoyed that, especially in my final year I was able collaborate with students and tutors from other courses to develop my Final Major Project and getting the chance to learn so many skills that I either didn’t know at all or developed further in the 3 years at the university.

Tell us about the projects you are working on and your next steps:

Lauren: I am actively applying for and seeking professional opportunities to expand my skillsets and experience in the industry to start my creative career. I am really looking forward to the next new challenge and to learn more from those industry experts I will work alongside. In the meantime, I am still experimenting with my own sewing projects.

Liv: As of right now I am still working at my part time job at a cafe while also applying for any costume jobs and internships that appear. One thing I have found is that every job vacancy asks for relevant experience – so take every opportunity to get some. With my volunteering with the North York Moors National Park I am going to a Conference in the Netherlands for a week in October where I hope to learn and experience different things with people from all over Europe. I am also in the middle of a commission with a York based Taiko Group, Kaminari, designing and making new costumes for them.

What advice would you have for a student starting costume this September?

Lauren: Make the most out of every project and make sure you pick a theme or concept that inspires, excites and challenges you, but also forces you out of your comfort zone. This will build a really strong portfolio that you will be proud of. Also, try getting work experience while you are doing your degree. Even though it was a stretch to balance my coursework with the addition of this on the side, it was very rewarding and helped me build valuable contacts and obtain fantastic advice from specialists in the industry. Also, don’t wait for the opportunities to come to you! Ask the question, send the email, there is no harm in asking for some experience.

Liv: Enjoy your time there and if things don’t end up quite how you expected, they may just end up even better!

You can keep up to date with Liv and Laurens work on the social media and websites:

Instagram: @laurenmaecostumes

E-Portfolio: laurenmaehickman.co.uk