National Theatre Open Day

A couple of days ago I was lucky enough to be able to visit the National Theatre workrooms and complete a mini workshop in their womenswear department. In a group of ten we were shown the wonderful workrooms that help create the visuals that are performed on the National Theatre stages as well as being taken on a tour backstage, on stage and in the auditorium of the Olivier Theatre. The costume making workshop is shown below. Sorry for my poor blurry photography!

National Theatre Costume Workroom

We then split into different parts of the costume department (menswear, womenswear and alterations) and had tuitions with members of the costume department. I was doing womenswear and made a simple sleeveless boned bodice. Although this is something I have done before I loved having the luxury of one on one tuition. It made this a really fun and relaxed workshop.

This workshop was a trial run and something they haven't done before. Their idea was to make an open day more one on one so people wouldn't feel as intimidated to ask questions. I personally think it worked really well and hope they will do it again. However, I would recommend this open day to first year students as a few of the other girls on the workshop also noted that the skills we were taught were a little basic for second year costume students.

Take a look at the National Theatre's website to keep updated on upcoming open days and they are apparently soon going to post more work experience opportunities. Exciting!