Bethany Ward - Costume Portfolio
About me Hi. My name is Bethany, and I am interested in all things theatre and costume related. I have grown up performing in dance shows, having taken ballet classes from the age of 5 until I was 20, and have also been involved with amateur dramatics from a young age, participating in singing and acting performances. I have been sewing since I joined the sewing club in my primary school and have not been able to stop since. Creativity runs through my veins and flows into my work where I particularly enjoy paying attention to small details I can include in my costumes, to give insights into the character, and the use of colour semiotics.
Recent work I have a variety of experience, from designing, to making, to dressing. A recent example is my costume work on South Devon Players Theatre and Film Company (SDP) production of Jekyll and Hyde. For this production I was on a team of two who designed and created the costumes for the show. Throughout the run of performances I kept backstage, assisting with costume changes, steaming and repairing costumes before each show, and ensuring all costume pieces were packed at the end of a show before returning them to our rehearsal space, as this production toured different theatres. Additionally, I am comfortable styling hair, which I also assisted with on Jekyll and Hyde, and have experience in makeup and stage managing so am familiar with the goings on around the theatre and all that goes into creating a production.
Jekyll and Hyde, 2025, costume designs
Jekyll and Hyde, 2025, dyeing costumes with coffee
Jekyll and Hyde, 2025, corset lacing
Jekyll and Hyde, 2025, Lady Carew (Chloe Warden) hair
Carnival of Curiosities Place of performance: Arts University Plymouth Costume designer: Bethany Ward Costume makers: Bethany Ward Performer: Ryan Smithers
The Betrothed Place of performance: Arts University Plymouth Costume designer: Bethany Ward Costume makers: Bethany Ward Performer: Chloe Shorten
Buddy the Elf Title of the show: Elf the Musical Year of show: 2024 Place of performance: Princess Theatre, Torquay Costume designer: Bethany Ward Costume makers: Bethany Ward Director: Polly Ferguson-Carruthers Performer: Morgan Westcott
Lord Farquaad Title of the show: Shrek the Musical Jr Year of show: 2024 Place of performance: Palace Theatre, Paignton Costume designer: Bethany Ward Costume makers: Bethany Ward Director: Polly Ferguson-Carruthers Performer: Grace Byng
Other costume makes Buckram percher hat with ribbon folding decoration Plastazote crow mask/headpiece Grey felt cloche hat Wirework beaded ballet tiara Worbla mask lined with shammy leather Victorian hour glass figure mid bust corset
Title of the show: The Wizard of Oz Pantomime Year of show: 2023-2024 Place of performance: Shiphay Church Hall Costume designer: Bethany Ward Costume makers: Bethany ward Director: Jack Davis Performer: Andy Charlton
Title of the show: The Tempest Year of show: 2024 Place of performance: Arts University Plymouth Costume designers/makers: Class collaboration