At CCAD we are nationally known for our industry expert staff. Carrying on our Staff Spotlight series, we wanted to highlight the calibre of the course technician demonstrators who are always on hand to assist the students day to day. This week we are introducing our Costume Technician Demonstrator, Sally Donegan.

Sally previously studied at CCAD and holds a foundation degree in Costume construction for stage and screen and a BA Hons degree in Entertainment Design Crafts, specialising in Costume. Since graduating, Sally completed a costume traineeship at Scottish Opera and went on to work on contracts in costume departments at the National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Opera North and Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Over the summer, Sally will be working as an in house freelancer for Opera North making costumes for all their future productions. It’s safe to say her industry experience is second to none and Sally is a perfect alumni student to demonstrate a flying career after CCAD.

Sally’s career highlights:

“I have had the chance to make beautiful Opera Costumes, work on the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK Tour, as well as National Theatre productions of Jane Eyre and Husbands and Sons. I also love watching productions I have worked on and seeing the costumes I have made against the set and lighting makes the costumes come alive, and also makes the hard work worth it!”

Sally’s advice to students:

“Gain as much work experience as possible, this helped me immensely upon graduating. I have been lucky enough to use my degree in different ways.  It also helps to apply anywhere and everywhere I have moved all over the place to gain work, it isn’t always on your doorstep! Also, everyone knows each other! The industry is smaller than you think, always be nice, work hard but don’t burn yourself out! And always look for ways to push and improve your skills.  I love taking on new challenges.”