We were impressed to learn more about the work of final year BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design student Ellen Measor who has been working as a costume designer with DULOG Theatre on their production of “Hello, Dolly!” whilst studying for her degree.

Ellen’s confidence and skill has lead to this fantastic opportunity which has allowed other costume students to gain vital experience and has even contributed to their final year show!

Read on to find out more about the production, gain insight in to the role and what it’s like to study with us at The Northern School of Art. Watch the clip below to hear from DULOG about working with Ellen and our students on the production.

Tell us about your role as costume designer for DULOG theatres production of “Hello, Dolly!”

My role as costume designer within DULOG’s production of  “Hello,Dolly!” comprised of designing, sourcing, altering, dressing and maintaining costumes for a cast of 30 excluding stage crew who were also dressed in period clothing. This also meant I had to develop an overall look for costumes that fit with the directors vision as well as the set design to excite and engage an audience.

Daily tasks during show week included taking charge of principle quick changes and daily mending. Pre Production included collaborating with businesses such and Circle Vintage, Pressed Prom and Bridal, York Theatre Royal and Bristol Costume Services in addition to Level 6 Costume students who kindly loaned their costumes and hats from previous modules!

How did the opportunity come about? 

I became involved with the production through an Instagram post advertising for a costume designer. I had previously seen many DULOG productions so was familiar with the group and was excited at the possibility of a collaboration.

As previously mentioned, a group of Level 6 costume students loaned their work for the production. This varied from hats to full period dresses. Through my suggestion I aimed to get as many students involved as possible for their own career progression and this was also exciting opportunity for them to see their work on stage!

What where the challenge of working in the role?

The most challenging part of this job was the size of the production itself, this was my first time as costume designer within a production! I enjoyed the challenge of dressing such a large and varied cast in full period costume.

As part of my role I negotiated both a financial contribution to Level 6 Costume Final Showcase as well as an advert for the university within the “Hello, Dolly!” programme. This reached a huge audience which is very exciting for The Northern School of Art.

Tell us about your current FMP project. 

I am now working on my Final Major Project which is based on the French novel, Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

What is special about studying at The Northern School of Art?

The Northern School of Art is so special in a way that the smaller structure of the university allows creativity to flourish and is supported by dedicated staff. Within Costume Interpretation with Design the wide range of modules from tailoring to millinery arms us with a strong skill set preparing students for industry.

You can keep up to date with Ellens work by following her instagram: @ellenmeasorcostumes you can keep up with DULOG theatres newest performance by visiting @dulogtheatre

If you are interested in studying BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design, you can find out more here or you can apply here.