Today was the first day working a full day at the Mercury theatre, assisting the sewing department. And I’m happy to say I really enjoyed it!!
I wasn’t too sure what it would include but I arrived this morning and was taken into their sewing studio. The costumes for the show are the combination of their own costumes taken from the archives in the theatre, Merc clothing form Metro in Colchester and rented costumes hired from a costume shop in Bristol.
Part of my jobs today where to take a pair of trousers up-which were quite well done even if I do say so myself! They were professionally measured form the crutch and the waist down and then hand sewn in a hem stitch that crossed over to ease the fabric.
I was also able to search into the theatres archives to find four matching belts for the “trolley dollies” and a dress shirt with a 15 ½ inch collar for one of the main characters as well as a knitted cardigan for the Mum in the show. This was fun as I was able to look at all their other garments from hats and shoes to fairy dresses as well as different fabrics. There were rails and rails of clothes and tubs full of different types of garments. It felt like a children’s haven for dressing up-which I was very tempted when I saw 40 style hats!
The fashion as showed in the film of Quadrophenia.
Towards the end of the day, I also helped to make covers for the microphone packs that are situated on all the actors on stage-which was something I had never thought of! Of course when you think about it of course microphones have to be on the actors-which have to be sorted out where and how they will be attached and also hidden from public view. So we ended up making little pouches from a calico fabric and with Velcro and elastic which will attach like a belt around the waist.
I enjoyed the day as it taught me other aspects of the costume studio and all the different things that have to be done, made or found to achieve the overall look of the show. I’ve learnt that as well as making items it includes altering items, renting items and finding items that can be used in any way at the cheapest way possible. Tomorrow I will be going to a makeup rehearsal so that should be quite exciting to see how they are going to do 60’s make up! I’m looking forward to seeing what else I can learn within the next week or so and next time I’m going to try and get some photos to include in here!
No comments:
Post a Comment