Evaluation.

I think that I have learnt an invaluable amount during this project. It has been very rewarding to experience the realisation of my designs whilst overcoming any problems that occurred. I think I have a much better understanding of the design process and things to consider before the realisation of a project. I have really enjoyed working within a team of people who have varied skills and therefore I think I am a much more rounded designer. I have gained practical experience through helping with the making of set elements and costumes. It was a challenge when compromises had to be made on some of the hire costumes, however I found this very exciting and I managed to make the colour scheme work as a whole despite the changes that had to be made. I have found that through designing and changing some elements of the set, (chest and benches), I have acquired new skills and a better understanding of my role and relationship with other members of the team such as the production manager and carpenters. I think that I planned my time well between the costumes and set keeping an overall view of the production. Working closely with the director and listening to ideas as well as giving them has helped to push me with design challenges. I always considered my director’s view and issues with anything and therefore ensured everything worked smoothly. I think some elements of the set could have been improved, for example the shields, which I have thought about and detailed in my sketchbook. Going to fittings, being available at university and attending rehearsals as much as possible helped me fully understand how my designs were being realised and also meant that I was available to answer questions from my makers etc. Working with a supervisor, buyer and production team was a new experience and a very beneficial one. I think my professional practice has vastly improved and I have discovered that I really enjoy being part of a big team. Working with props was also a new experience, however doing in depth research into the period allowed me to make confident design decisions when props were sourced. I originally picked more affordable fabrics for my costumes, however on discovering we had more funding I chose better quality natural fabrics that would have been around in the medieval period. I think this greatly improved the costumes and therefore the overall look of the show. I feel ensured that the designs were authentic to the period yet creatively suited to the piece. It was very helpful to me to constantly consider different design options so the differentiation between what was sourced, hired and made was as seamless as possible. The speed at which the costumes and set had to be produced was intense yet exciting. It was my constant aim to ensure the costumes worked together, in colour palette, hierarchy and character and that they complemented the set, which also ran smoothly. The Canterbury Tales was an extremely valuable experience and has taught me a huge amount.