Bethany Ward - Skills Record

POSITION STATEMENT

Hello, my name is Bethany Ward and I am a costume designer and maker for theatre. I have experienced first hand the impact costume has on an actor or dancer’s performance, from taking ballet lessons and getting opportunities to perform on stage. Understanding this, I enjoy being able to create the look and appearance of a character for an audience to interpret, as well as watching a performer transform from themselves into the character they are portraying

Sustainability within costume is a constant thought in my head when I am designing and making costumes. Considering where I will source materials, what sort of materials to use and what other things I can do to ensure the costumes I make have as little impact on the environment as possible, is important to me and I will always take steps to make my work as sustainable as I am able. Sourcing both existing clothing and fabrics locally instead of online as much as possible.

My strongest skill is sewing with fabric materials, however I also have experience working with thermoplastics, wire and other structured materials to create three dimensional shapes such as masks, hats and headpieces. I use a combination of machine sewing and hand sewing to create neat and strong costumes, with a strong attention to detail and a focus on the final fit of a costume, implementing my tailoring skills.

I am situated in Torbay and as a costume practitioner and I want to contribute to my local economy and community with my bespoke costume making and designing skills I enjoy working with smaller theatre companies and productions as I want to make an impact on the production values and the people I work with. From the cast to the wider crew I enjoy nurturing relationships that smaller companies can foster

One key aspect of costume, for me, is collaboration. How I work with a director, the performance team, a costume team and the performers is crucial to the success of a show. Conflicting or undiscussed ideas inhibit the cohesiveness of a performance and hinder the audience’s experience I aim to make sure my ideas are clearly conveyed and the performers I am working with feel comfortable around me and the costumes I put them in, to ensure the job is not just done but enjoyed When a team cares about the production it shows through the finished performance and creates a more immersive experience for the audience.

KEY SKILLS

Some of my key skills include:

Pattern drafting and pattern alterations

Experienced in creating original patterns, adapting existing patterns, altering patterns from fittings and drafting patterns from books.

Tailoring

Understanding of how to alter costumes to ensure a comfortable fit for the performer while fitting how the costume is intended.

An eye for detail

Interest in details and finishes to create professional quality costumes and professionally designed pieces

Ability to work with different material types

Previous costumes have included materials such as stretch velvet, organza, duchess satin, dupion silk, habotai silk, faux fur, netting and fleece.

Quick change and setting costume experience

Experience in performing and dressing and an understanding of costume layering and setting costumes to ensure changes are quick and smooth.

COSTUME BOOTCAMP

To enhance my skill base even further I took part in a costume bootcamp where I recapped and learnt key skills in costuming and dressing.

Altering undershirts

Altering simple t-shirts to fit under costumes as a base layer to absorb sweat and protect the costume.

Labelling socks

Simple method to label socks which is clear and visible to performers and dressers but is not seen by the audience.

Toolkit

My toolkit includes key item such as safety pins, glue, needles, scissors, pliers, hair bands and hair pins and plasters

Labelling

Simple, clear and secure labelling method to label small items such as tights, socks, underwear and hats

guards

Lightweight and absorbent sweat guards to help protect costumes and reduce the need to fully wash pieces

Setting up a fitting space chairs water mirror costume camera/phone measurements pencil and paper safety pins

Sweat

COSTUME BOOTCAMP

Mic packs

Easy to make microphone packs for actors to place their mic pack in to keep it secure and safe while performing

Efficient pressing

Understanding and efficient order of pressing, particularly for shirts and sleeved pieces.

Quick lace shoes

I am able to fully lace up a pair of standard shoes in two minutes and am able to quickly lace up boots.

Quick change corset

A trick to quickly change out of a corset. Lacing the corset up takes a few minuets but to change out is instant.

Stain removal techniques

Understanding different types of stains and the most efficient methods to remove stains before they settle

Setting up a quick change space chairs water costume/wig/makeup open space

box for removed costume costume set for the change

Setting up a photo space actor/performer camera, on a tripod main light second light to light the other side of the actor smaller back light to light up from the back backdrop

CV & COVER LETTER

Cover letter

Links in my link tree

PORTFOLIO & SHOWREEL

Showreel

https://linktr.ee/bethanybunnyward

Calculating my hourly wage:

Minimum wage: £12.21

Experience: £0.80 per year

Degree: + 10%

Calculation:

(£12.21 + (£0.80*3) + 10%) = £16.07

My hourly wage: £16.07