Production Week - Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

Well today we had lots to do! Again another late finish :( This week is going to tire me out!

I think I am getting into the swing of things a bit more! I did a fitting with Andy on the Worm costume with the actors and young chorus members. It was an exciting experience, seeing the big beast on stage finally! There are a few adjustments that need doing such as sorting the tassels out and re-shaping the end of the tail fabric.

I have been working on the general alterations today too for the costumes. There have been a few moments where I have wanted to pull my hair out as they have been tricky, especially sorting out Rapunzel's dress! The whole entire sleeve section needs working on. That job will have to be finished tomorrow.

After today I feel a bit more organized. Tomorrow looks brighter :)

Production Week - Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds

All settled in Bury St.Edmunds for the start of a very busy Production Week. Myself, Lou Tring, Andrew Layton and Katie Broome were introduced to Andy the Production Manager, Theatre Technical Crew, Cast and the Theatre Royal itself. Sarina talked us through the costumes and gave us a massive list of jobs to do and since the word go we have been working non-stop! It has been rather tricky as the actors are always needed in their costume (even when they aren't finished!) meaning that we have to work around them. This does involve us working into break times, hence the late finish of 12.30am this morning!
I have learnt so much already from this week. For starters I now know to make sure you always prioritize what costume needs finishing first as there have been a few moments where Sarina has asked me to work on another garment because it needs to be worn by the actor asap. I feel that my confidence has been a bit hit and miss at some points with knowing what to do. I am so new to this experience, working in a theatre professionally, dealing with many problems and people that I do feel a bit overwhelmed sometimes. I think I need to learn to calm down and not to panic but listen and always ask if I am not sure. As there is so much to do it's not trying to worry so much but to work methodically and practically.
Tomorrow will be better. This week will be a long one!

HANDOVER DAY 23RD NOVEMBER!

Finally!!! The costumes are packed up and off to Bury St Edmunds! Horrah!!!

After the extremely long busy past few weeks its nice to see that they are all off safe and sound!

We have done it on time and only with a few things to sort out when I arrive at Bury St Edmunds for the Production week as of Sunday.

Very tired, very pleased and very excited for next week!

What have I learnt....

Always plan plan plan

Time management - vital for a project like this!

Keep the enthusiasm going!

Resolve problems with makers

Communication!!

Worm Action!

Final Fittings!

Hyacinth Horseradish - Gardener

Costumes looking fantastic! So so proud of what we have achieved in such a short space of time! Well done everyone :)

Hyacinth Horse Radish (Mushroom)

Hyacinth Horseradish (Cake)

No fitting held for this costume due to the fact it wasn't finished in time and because it was more of a prop costume nothing major will change on it.

Sage the Owl

ACTOR FALLS ILL - DAN COPELAND REPLACED WITH ANDREW PEPPER

Kim kindly models for us and our fitting! :D

Rapunzel

Well after an epically long day of fittings we have successfully created some very exciting and fun  costumes!

I have learnt that after lots of long hours and hard work you really can achieve anything!!

Cake Popping Action!

STRESSED...... NOT LONG TILL FINAL FITTINGS!!

Hmmmmm why is it when you reach third year you realise how important 1st and 2nd years help is?!

Shouting out to anyone... we need you help... Please spare a few hours..... Lots to do in such little time...

KEEP POSITIVE...

Everything is looking fantastic otherwise :)

Worm Fittings... Construction Development

As the worm is such a HUGE costume, we decided that it would not best for us to transport it anywhere.

We have incurred a few problems already with the construction process. Firstly the scale of the costume is enormous, (Will originally envisaged the whole body being pop up tents!) but that wouldn't have worked at all due to the stage size. Andy the production Manager wanted to see how big the costume was so I emailed him a few of these pics. I think the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds are slightly concerned with this one...


Teething issues - jaw not strong enough - Amelia is going to work on strengthening it.
Back pack - not balanced - new counter weight?

With this costume I have learnt how important structure is when dealing with a design like this. I am worried that it may not fit through the door and the logistics of it, however Will has assured me it will be fine.... I hope...