WHAT is it like to make the clothes actors wear on screen or stage and then see those suited and booted stars in action?
It’s a question on the lips of many a young student dreaming of a career in costume and it was one that tailor Donna Simmons has just answered in front of 40 such creative students at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College in Southampton.
Donna has worked in the industry for over three decades, producing costumes for the likes of actor Ralph Fiennes (her personal favourite), musician Pete Doherty and Colin Firth. She recounted tales from years in TV and film and more recent times plying her trade at the Royal Opera House.
Starting in men’s tailoring before moving into women’s, Donna slipped into costume production almost by chance after a speculative application. And that line of work clearly suited her.
“It’s a really interesting career. It’s long hours and quite hard work but can be so rewarding when you get to make something and you’re sitting at home watching TV and it pops up.” Donna told the onlookers.
The attentive audience of Performing Arts and Textile students heard all about the challenges of the profession and the skills needed to fit in. Donna ended her talk by taking the students through the varied jobs available in the sector – and their entry routes. One lucky student, Mason, even had chance to don one of Donna’s creations – a coat worn by Pete Doherty in his one film appearance so far, Confession of a Child of the Century.
Donna’s motivation for imparting her insight was clear. “I’m always interested talking to people,” she said. “The industry needs new people and it’s great to see courses like this where people are so enthusiastic. It’s always good to come along and give the lowdown on your career.”
The conversation followed hot on the heels of Adam Stickler’s recent insight into working on the musical Wicked. Musical theatre and dance teacher Chloe Green is keen her students get these first-hand accounts of working in the creatives.
“Our industry is very collaborative. If our students are working on productions, they’re aware, though these talks, of all the hard work each department does to achieve the same goal,” she said.
Performing arts student Amber came along to get a feel for what goes on behind the scenes. And she wasn’t disappointed. “It was lovely. She was very personable and had lots of interesting things to say,” she said.
After this educational hour, the group returned to their studies and preparation for May’s Jekyll and Hyde production at Southampton College.