Meet Amy, our Costume Designer

buaubparts
Nov 11, 2013
2 min read

Today we’re talking to Amy Boulton, the ambitious lady tasked with the challenging job of designing, making and sourcing the costumes and props for this years PARTS production Grease the musical. Hello Amy, firstly would you tell us a little bit about yourself? Hi, I'm a third year student at AUB where I am studying costume design. So you already have some experience in costume design, can you tell us how you secured the position as this year's costume designer? I applied for the role over the summer after being encouraged by the production team from last year. I had to state why I wanted the role and what I thought I could bring to the position, it was a challenging process but I'm very pleased to have got it in the end! We're guessing you have had involvement in previous productions if you were prompted to apply? Yes I have, I made one of the costumes for Andrew Layton, who was last year's costume designer, so I have some idea of what to expect this year. Seeing as you study costume design, what is your favourite costume that you have ever designed or made? Over the summer I got the opportunity to travel to America where I was assistant designer for 'Richard the Second' at the Shakespeare theatre in New Jersey. It was an amazing opportunity and I loved the small part of the show which I designed and sourced both props and costumes for. Sourcing is something I plan to do lots of this year for Grease. Seeing how the show is very modern, 50's outfits will be easier to recreate using a combination of charity shops and renting. Wow, what an opportunity, will you be able to use your set design experience in Grease this year?

A little, but I will be helped by last year's set designer who has much more experience in sourcing props. If you could design costumes for any era or musical what would it be? I love the 20's and 40's, so if there were ever to be a 'Great Gatsby' musical that would be amazing, I love the glamour and drama of flapper dresses! What would you say your long term goal is? I love designing, so this show is a really big step for me and I'm very pleased to have the opportunity. But in the long term I would love to work in the costume department of a big theatre, but still stick to my hands on roots and have involvement in the creation of the costumes. Thank you Amy and good luck with the show, we know everyone is already getting very excited! Thanks, me too, I suppose I'd better get designing some costumes!