Evaluations

The process of learning about different artistic roles has been insightful and educational. I feel as though I now have a very strong understanding of what a Stage Manager's role is and what a Costume Designer's role is. Additionally, I feel as though I understand the other creative roles as well as how closely specific designers or creatives either liaise or work together. I honestly feel as though I would be able to apply the skills that I learnt throughout the process to take on this role in the future.

Things that my team of creatives and I managed to do really well was collect the information and carry out tasks independently. Our team struggled ever so slightly with coming together as a whole unit as there were only a couple sessions in which everyone attended. Through experiencing a lack in team effort I learned how impossible it is to create quality work without putting in teamwork. For example, without a director we relied on the set designers wishes, but when the set designer was absent it was like a domino effect as I couldn't purchase the right props because what was needed wasn't discussed, lighting struggled with their job without know the colour of the set etc.

The artistic vision arrived later than it should have but once established it was strong and everyone managed to fit their efforts around this. The last couple of meetings was where any changes were made such as costume colour changes that didn't fit with the lighting and vice versa.

In our pitch we demonstrated clearly and efficiently different ways in which we could display our artistic vision using simplicity. The theatre director's really liked and appreciated the idea of being surprised once in the room rather than walking into a world that had already been established. Additionally the materials we took into the space really allowed the Directors to grasp what our piece was about. Our 3D movable online replica of the set and booklet especially demonstrated what we hoped to bring to the table.

We also managed to answer queries and left the pitch with nothing left unanswered. We were really good with articulating everything and backing everything up with evidence. This included statistics, examples of everything we put forward and handouts. I even had alternative rehearsal spaces in case the venue was already booked in between rehearsal time and the show (also it was a cheaper venue with the same amount of space as the performance space and we needed to save money as much as we could).

I took on a last minute Costume designer role as the person dong it was slightly overwhelmed with their own role. I believe that I did a good job at designing the costumes so that they were purpose appropriate, so that the colour reflected the themes and season of the play and so that the materials used were appropriate and cheap.

Obviously I didn't get to take on this role fully as I was unable to do costume fittings and measurements but I do have a well rounded understanding of what a costume designer does.

On the other hand, my role as Stage Manager was one that I took on fully and explored in most areas. I managed to create rehearsal schedules, prop lists, furniture lists, look out storage, places to hire from, rehearsal spaces, arranged costume fitting dates, tech rehearsals and dress rehearsals.

I used sites such as ebay and amazon to purchase cheap props and looked into hiring anything that was a more substantial price. I also looked into 'freecycle' which is a site that allows you to get free things (usually things such as furniture).

I probably struggled mainly with knowing what things should look like. For example, the actors rehearsal schedule. I found it difficult to know what a musical theatre schedule would look like as I have never made a schedule before and have never done musical theatre before. I tried researching timetables but most  found were not useful. I then asked some people in MT for their advice and they said it looked fine which I hope it does.

Overall I believe I took on these roles confidently with a professional mindset and continuous productive contribution.

Idea Room

Group Contributions:

Click Here For To Do List

Click Here For Artistic Vision

Click Here For Information Booklet

Click Here For Production Company Costs

Click Here For Month by month timeline

Things we need to do:

Roles within our team:

Fundraising Ideas:

Sponsors:

My Role as Costume Designer

Original Costume Designs:

Mood Board

Materials:
Materials containing spandex (I found it difficult to find materials containing more than 10% spandex however I researched how stretchy these types of materials would be and discovered that this would be more than enough to create a stretchy item of clothing that is suitable for dance). Lycra was also a material of interest. Despite most cheap materials only containing 20% lycra, lots of dance wear can be found with similar properties. These two materials were 7 pounds 50 pence per square metre. I would roughly need 4 metres of this material for a dress. I planned on purchasing things like the characters outer layers, accessories and Jamie's outfit online rather than making it. I was planning on focusing on Cathy's dress as it's unique and the logistics of the dress are specific as advised from the director and choreographer (Dress material cost = 30 pound)

As this was a last minute role that I have taken on, my knowledge of the role is a lot less in depth compared the my stage manager role. But I have done my best to have a well rounded understanding of this area.

As we are marketing simplicity, it is important to us that we display very minimal before the show begins. Instead of making a statement as the audience enter the theatre, we want the magic to unravel before their very eyes. This is evident in the set design which appears to be a building but throughout the musical becomes so much more. Additionally this is shown in the costume design which contains surprises such as the dress which turns into a pair of trousers and tie around top. These moments of mystery and the colour scheme is a conscious choice with reinforces the mood and style of the production as a whole.

Our colour scheme is autumnal. The female character's costume is mainly inspired by the deep red autumn leaves. The colours used are romantic but also foreshadow the dark heartache that slowly unfolds. The male character's costume is inspired by the morning sky however towards the end of the play it becomes darker and more sinister like the night sky. I have really put the ideas of romance, day and night and good and evil into consideration as the musical progresses and relationships change.

My Stage Manager Role and My Team's Roles

My Timeline - Stage Manager

Final Timeline:

Renting and Hiring - Stage Manager Role

Ebay was a really good place to find props as most things were cheap. However I did also have to take shipping prices into consideration and time of arrival. Also items that needed to be bided on meant that I couldn't simply purchase them, I had to keep an eye on those products and decide how much my budget would allow me to spend on those items.

Cervantes Theatre - Image taken from http://www.cervantestheatre.com/home/rehearsal-space/

This theatre is relatively cheap for a rehearsal space. It is probably the cheapest rehearsal space that one would find in central London as well. I spoke to the owners who are really nice and willing to do negotiations as well. There is also a pay half now and half later scheme which would help us financially.

I went through the script and wrote what I needed as I went through the script. Some things I wrote what it could be substituted with such as lakes or rivers which lighting could create the illusion of.

Renting Websites:
The National Theatre
Furniture Hire
Storage Space to Hire:
https://www.bigyellow.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1NbhBRCBARIsAKOTmUtNibflYqSoUlDJZ21oUgtQuNbUri9FdVaZ9Isn0QlFzUF-Mu32bAoaApVrEALw_wcB

Towards the end of our meetings we decided to rid ourselves of most of the props as it was more costly, took up more space on a small stage and didn't allow us to keep our main vision of simplicity.

Rehearsal Planning - Stage Manager Role

Rehearsal Timetable making Process:

Click Here For the Actors Timetable