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.