Lola explained: “For this work experience opportunity, my role mostly focused around fitting and adjusting the costumes for the ensemble dancers that would perform at various points throughout the show. I also had the opportunity to help dress the main cast of the show for a promotional event at the local shopping centre.”

Reflecting on what she has gained from the experience she commented: “The role has greatly helped me learn both what working in the industry would be like along with helping me develop the skills I have learnt on my course and how they would be applied in industry.

“My degree has greatly helped me fulfil my role for this opportunity. Key skills such as fitting costumes and altering costumes for productions. It also helped me learn how to fully communicate my ideas with people working in industry.”

She added: “I found that the modules I have learnt so far on my course have been really helpful and are taught in a way to make them easy to apply to working in the industry. Both the equipment provided for our course and our lecturers help us achieve the best work we can.”

Lola concluded: “My advice for future students is to find work experience opportunities as it is the best way to prepare for working in the industry.”

Fellow student Rhiannon Pearce, 20, from Nottingham said that she worked on a range of different tasks “including running fittings with the lead cast and ensemble and then altering any costumes which needed amendments (including making a few bits such as a Snow White collar and children’s outfit).

“We also helped to organise the costumes backstage in the dressing rooms, using the show plot to identify each piece that was needed and the best place for it to be, and we got to experience working as dressers for the shows and for a promotional performance in the Middleton Grange shopping centre.”

She reflected that her involvement had show her “how rewarding working within the theatre industry can be and how all of the smaller jobs behind the scenes are extremely important to bring the production to life.

“Studying costume has helped me to understand the different roles within the costume industry and the tasks expected from everyone and also complete sewing and alterations to a high standard, which meant I was prepared to take on whatever task or role was necessary without any hesitation. I also felt confident going into the work experience as I knew what to expect.”

She added: “I love the depth the costume course at The Northern School of Art goes into as we learn bespoke skills which help us build our confidence and stand out, and also the support from the teaching staff, particularly as we are encouraged to get different work experiences to help prepare us for our future. The School also has a strong sense of community as there are constantly opportunities for us to work and collaborate with different courses.”

Rhiannon’s biggest advice for future students is to “not be afraid to put yourself out there, you will learn all of the skills you need and by putting yourself out there as much as possible, you can get great opportunities to help build your confidence and encourage you to learn so much more.”

Follow Lola’s work on Instagram at @lolas_costumesandcrochet and Rhiannon’s at @sewnbyrhi

Snow White is at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre until 27th December. Tickets from £15 can be booked HERE

The Northern School of Art’s technically focused BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design degree course provides comprehensive training in the skills to create bespoke garments for a wide range of performance contexts — including stage, screen, heritage, and live events. Find out more HERE