Work in Theatre: Costume and Wardrobe at The Palace
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
The Palace Theatre is home to many large scale musicals with the touring productions of West End hits regularly gracing the stage. However, behind the glamorous facade are hardworking teams of highly skilled individuals who have spent decades carving out careers for themselves in the theatre. In an effort to demystify and improve access to people working in theatre The Palace is hosting a series of workshops featuring key role models from different departments. In this particular workshop in the series participants will meet Jaheda, a legend from the theatre’s costume and wardrobe department.
Open to 16-21 year olds these workshops give young people the opportunity to directly see how to end up with a job in the theatre industry. It’s a rarity to be able to ask someone exactly what route they’ve taken to end up in a position which may seem totally out of reach for most.
Wardrobe is a fascinating department to see behind the curtain of. It is where characters are physically manifested as well as where many costume malfunctions are speedily and ingeniously rectified. Working in it can mean long hours and lots of patience but also incredible moments of pride when you see a full cast line up looking stunning. It’s a job that sits in between artistry and practical construction and requires some very quick textile skills.
Jaheda Choudhury will be showcasing her amazing skill set as well as supporting participants through practical activities related to working in wardrobe. She is quite a legend in her own light and known throughout the theatre industry as someone who can achieve miracles on any budget and timescale. What she has to share with young aspiring costume designers is invaluable.
Although the sessions are ticketed, bursaries can be accessed through the Learning department at the Palace.
