In Conversation with BA Production Arts (Costume) student, Uju Olisa
In Conversation with Production Arts Costume Student Uju Olisa
We caught up with BA Production Arts (Costume) student Uju Olisa about her work placement with a theatre company in Stuttgart, Germany. From the logistics of planning a placement abroad to assisting with rehearsals, costume sourcing and getting to watch the premier, we hear about this unique learning experience.
Can you tell us why you chose to study Production Arts and specifically Costume?
I am now in my third year at Guildhall. I first got interested in studying costume because of my fascination with big costumes in fantasy films, like Marvel, and historical dramas. In Sixth Form a costume interpreter came to give a talk to the textiles department, which made me want to study costume.
What was your work placement?
I chose to do my four-week placement in the Staatstheatre in Stuttgart with Dead Centre Theatre company as I wanted to experience what costume is like in a repertoire theatre and have always been intrigued by learning how costume works abroad. I was in the Schuaspielhaus (Drama Department) and worked on the play Education of Rudolf Steiner. The Staatstheatre in Stuttgart does original and abstract shows, and I was eager to be involved.
Can you tell us a bit about the goals and outcomes of this placement?
My goals on the placement were to work with the Designer and Costume Assistant, to assist with rehearsals and learn the prep process for a production to go on stage. I also wanted to learn more about their careers, as I was inspired by their work. It was a chance to step out of my comfort zone, be outside of London, meet new people and grow more confident in my practice.
How did you find the placement? What support and advice did you get from the department? How did you organise all the logistics?
I found this option through talking to our Head of Production Arts about wanting to do a work placement abroad. We had discussed the Staatstheatre in Stuttgart, I did my research and wanted to visit. Sorting logistics included filling forms which was okay, the most challenging part was the accommodation due to trying to get a good location for a good price. Before going there I was given some tips from one of my lecturers who told me to always get involved and ask questions.
How did it go overall?
I enjoyed my placement and even picked up some useful costume words in German. The set of the production was exciting as the stage was divided by a two-way mirror, symbolising two worlds trying to connect to each other. I was present in fittings and assisted with sourcing costumes and quick changes. One of the quick changes I helped with was on the other side of the mirror onstage and had to be in the dark because if we used torch lights the audience could see. Luckily there was some light reflecting from the other side of the mirror, which was just enough to see, but this was a new quick-change experience for me.
What have you learned from the experience and what did you enjoy the most?
I was able to see the incredible work ethic in costume that I really admired, and the production team enjoyed working together which made the results rewarding. I also learned that their costume department was very big as there were in-house makers for all elements of costume. After being backstage, seeing the premier and sitting in the audience was a whole different experience, and after we had a special party to celebrate the achievements of everyone, which really brought my time there to a happy end.
What have you learned so far during your course that will help when you graduate and transition to industry?
I have learnt and continue to learn about different areas of costume making, sourcing, the considerations and ways of costume designing, and the importance of communicating not only to the costume team and other departments. I have also met people in the industry being at Guildhall as freelancers may come to work on the productions, so it is always good to learn from them too.
Any top tips for students organising a work placement?
When organising a placement, it's good to think about what you want to get out of it, have some options, and contact people as soon as possible. Also, if going abroad, start looking into this as soon as possible to arrange the logistics.
If you could have a dream role in any production, past or present, what would it be and why?
I would work on the Black Panther movie as Ruth Carter is my favourite costume designer who inspired me, and the film really influenced me to want to study costume.
