Bethany Ward - CV

BETHANY WARD

07835 169212

Costume Production

insta: @xxbethscreationsxx

KEY SKILLS: Pattern drafting and altering Toile creation and fittings Excellent sewing abilities Tailoring Corsetry Creative with an eye for detail Quick change skills and hacks Millinery and costume prop experience Practiced in working with a variety of materials (including thermoplastics and preloved fabrics) Ability to communicate clearly Calming influence Interpersonal skills Works well as part of a team but can also work independently Problem solving skills Quick to learn new skills All rounder Dedicated Able and experienced at working to a deadline and within a budget

EDUCATION: BA (Hons) Costume Production, Arts University Plymouth - 2022-2025 Fashion Design BA (Hons) - 2021-2022 A-Levels at Fulston Manor School, Sittingbourne, Fine Art(A), Textile Design(A*), Performing Arts(Distinction*) - 2019-2021 7 GCSEs - 2017 -2019

bethanyward2002@outlook.com

PROFILE: I am a costume designer, maker and dresser, passionate about the costume industry and working on productions.

Some of my experience includes pattern making and cutting, corset making, costume tailoring and fitting, breaking down and working with a range of materials, such as second hand fabrics or thermoplastics. I have significant experience of working in theatres across the southwest as well as shadowing a dresser at the West End production of Frozen. I am a strong team player who is also able to work confidently with little supervision, currently seeking to expand my professional experience in the south west of England. I bring a strong work ethic and commitment to creating quality costumes tailor-fitted to each performer.

EXPERIENCE: ELF Princess Theatre Torquay 10/24 - 11/24 For this production by Torquay Operatic Society, I designed the costume for the character Buddy the Elf. This involved meeting the head of costume to discuss their wants and needs and designing and making a costume which fitted within their criteria.

Frozen the Musical Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London 07/24 For the duration of three performances, I shadowed a dresser on the show to experience the routines and job roles. Following one member of the dressing team, I observed the processes of setting costumes and was able to watch quick changes.

Jekyll and Hyde Touring south Devon with South Devon Players Theatre and Film Company 08/25 - 01/26 I designed and made costumes for the cast of this production as part of a costume team of two, upcycling pieces we already had as well as creating pieces from scratch. Additionally, throughout the run of shows I was present backstage, helping with costume changes, repairs, steaming and setting costumes.

The Jolly Christmas Postman Paddleboat Theatre Company 11/25 I attended a costume fitting session and altered, repaired and worked on costumes from the notes taken during the fitting session.

EXPERIENCE CONTINUED: Shrek the Musical Jr Palace Theatre Paignton with Doorstep Arts 05/24 - 08/24 I designed and produced a costume for the character Lord Farquaad. I also attended the two dress rehearsal days and three shows, assisting backstage with hair, makeup, making last minute costumes pieces, alterations and ironing and fixing costumes during the shows. Additionally, I helped with quick changes, particularly the character Fiona, to her ogre form, quick change.

The Wizard of Oz Pantomime Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Society 09/23 - 01/24 I assisted sourcing costumes and supervised the creation and purchasing of additional elements. I made the costume for the Lion character, considering both how it would look on stage and the comfort for the actor. The making of this costume included only second hand sourced materials. Additionally, I was a dresser backstage during the performances, assisting with quick changes and organisation of props.

The Tempest Arts University Plymouth 09/23 - 01/24 Designing and creating a costume for the character Prospero using only second hand or sustainable materials.

The Betrothed (FMP) Arts University Plymouth 09/24 - 05/25 As part of my FMP and degree show I researched and designed a tutu based around the YA book The Betrothed.

Analysing the text, designing a fitted functional tutu, creating a toile and producing the costume after sourcing fabrics from a trip to London and from specialised online stores.

Into the Woods City College Plymouth 02/24 - 04/24 Design interpretation, producing the costume from the design,

by Fi Russell, for the character Florinda for a college production of Into the Woods.

Carnival of Curiosities Arts University Plymouth 02/24 - 05/24 In this devised theatre project, I conceptualised, designed and produced a men's frock coat under the title Carnival of Curiosities. with special attention to the details such as button choice, embroidery design, colour palettes and the sublimation printed lining.

Women Who Changed History Arts University Plymouth 02/23 - 06/23 Working with a small group, I designed and created a costume for Olympia Morata, a significant woman from history.

Additionally I helped run the event, ensuring the performance stayed on track and maintained the same level of quality throughout, and acting as a tour guide during the exhibition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Prefect during years 10 and 11 of secondary school Student representative for my costume class during year 3 of university Completed a costume bootcamp during university to recap and learn key costuming and dressing skills Emergency first aid at work trained - 1 day course

HOBBIES: Ballet classes and performances from ages 5 - 20. Progressing to grade 6, training in pointe shoes in the later years, and dabbling in other dance styles such as modern and jazz. Performances with Kent School of Dance, Sittingbourne, gave me experience of backstage environments during shows, and an understanding of the impact of costume on performance and the character you become.

Stage manager for Shiphay Amateur Dramatic Societies' (SADS) production of Ladies Down Under during March 2024.

Occasional performing, costume work and backstage help with SADS. I serve on the youth team on Friday evenings at Home Church Torquay, helping run the evening and pack down during the night and after the group finishes.

I serve on the worship team on Sunday mornings at Home Church Torquay, singing with the team on rotation.

I enjoy crochet in my spare time and often make items I can wear.