Props and fat suits

I finished my degree in Entertainment design crafts at CCAD (Cleveland College of Art and Design) last June. The fastest three years of my life! To end a crazy busy year we took our workrooms apart and putting down the sewing machines and picking up hammers and power tools built up the stage for our degree show. I finished with mixed feelings of relief and pride as our costumes took the stage. Although I thought it was a good way to end the year and our course together, in all honesty I wasn't in much hope of any possible employment to follow as its such a small college in a tiny seaside town. What an encouragement it was when I was picked out from the many other ones on display, well my devil costume was (see previous projects if this doesn't make sense). Leigh Cranston who owns the props company LCProps gave me a trial period at his workshop in Middlesbrough. LCProps specialises in props mainly for theatre work but has a wide variety of jobs such as film work,  music shows, independent work etc.

Although I didn't specialise in props I was initially able to make the fabric prop structures that involved sewing and from there Leigh taught me how to use different materials and tools I didn't have the opportunity to use previously. So much fun. Due to so many projects coming in over the few weeks I worked there I was able to experience such a range of new challenges, learning new methods and seeing how a workshop like this works. As stated in my 'About me' section I am a huge fan of Disney! As you can imagine I was a little more than over-excited when the first project I was able to work on was for the west-end theatre production 'Disney's The Lion King' that was due to go on tour around the United Kingdom. Unfortunately due to copyright reasons I am unable to show any photos of the projects I worked on or to link my blog to any other images on the web of the props. I also can't share the methods and materials used but I do want to share that I had so much fun working there. I was able to work both independently and in a team on three different types of leaf structures worn as costume props in the scene, 'Can you feel the love tonight'. As part of the team at LCProps I had the opportunity to help with painting Scar's costume, cutting out and partially sewing Mufasa's collar and making the basis that makes up Rafiki's fingers. Too Cool.
Other things I was able to help with was the fat suit for the character of Bruce in the west end theatre production Matilda and also on some props for the Human Centipede 3 that is due to be out in May 2013.

We had a few long days as it came up to deadlines but we were able to meet them all (yippee) and I learned a lot from how Leigh came up with quick solutions to the odd hiccups that came up. Working there gave me a real confidence and enthusiasm for learning new techniques outside of 'the seamstress box' I put myself in previously.