Lisa Thomas: Theatre Futures Oxford - Design Assistant
Lisa Thomas
Theatre Futures Oxford - Design Assistant
Alice in Wonderland 2010
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Oxfordshire Theatre Company, where I worked as design assistant for Alice in Wonderland. This role involved various tasks such as sewing cakes, making a table cloth, oyster puppets and also helping the designer, Becky Lee paint the set. Quite an important task I had to do was sewing the Cheshire cat costume. It involved lots of hand sewing, and tons of fluffy fabric!
I appreciated that I was trusted enough to be given my own projects that I was responsible for. It wasn't just a case of doing odd jobs; I was allowed to use my own creative ideas to make the props required, my favourite of which has to be the Jammy dodgers, so simple yet so effective.
I learnt a few skills which I had not known before. I learnt how to use a buttonhole stitch which Becky showed me how to do. It is used for securing poppers. I also learnt how to use a foam stamp for making the squares of the chess board floor. It was very exciting learning new ideas and techniques. It makes me want to learn more.
The experience I have had with the company has enabled me to affirm my role as a theatre maker and made me sure this is the path I want to take in my career. I am a hands-on creator who will make anything that is asked for. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work on Alice in Wonderland and look forward to the future prospects it may lead to. Thank you to the company Oxfordshire Theatre Company and thank you to Becky who taught me some great skills and gave valuable tips on what to expect working in the theatre industry.
