Costume Design student gains experience working behind the scenes as theatre wardrobe assistant

For BA(Hons) Costume Design for Film & Television student Tabby Winchester, taking part in two industry-related work placements has allowed her to develop new skills, consolidate her learning and gain first-hand experience in busy and dynamic costume-based roles.  

One of the placements Tabby recently completed was at the London-based costume house, Prangsta Costumiers. Here, Tabby altered and repaired outfits, working on projects being made to add to the shop’s stock. “One of my favourite parts of the placement was constructing a corset from scratch with the guidance of the people working there,” Tabby shared. “The experience encouraged me to learn new techniques and improve my costume construction, which was something I’d been interested in doing. I was incredibly nervous at first, and it was sometimes quite hectic, but over time I felt more confident. Through the placement I also got to meet loads of great people who I learned a lot from.”

Tabby has also engaged in work experience with the Corn Exchange Newbury, a performing arts theatre, as a wardrobe assistant. “Though a shorter placement, I gained so much from the fast-paced environment I was immersed in,” Tabby told us. “I kept costumes organised backstage during the youth production, swapping costumes to their correct dressing rooms between shows.  

“I’m very grateful to the wardrobe supervisor I worked with; they gave me lots of tips for both the theatre and costume industry in general. I found it really fun to get some first-hand experience backstage in a theatre, especially as it’s something I’m interested in pursuing.”