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Arts University Plymouth Pre-Degree students gain hands-on industry experience at Theatre Royal Plymouth
Thursday, 29 May, 2025 — Pre-Degree Extended Diploma Fashion & Textiles students gain hands-on experience in costume production for The Creakers at Theatre Royal Plymouth’s world-class wardrobe department.
<p dir="ltr">Two Pre-Degree students from<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/"> <strong>Arts University Plymouth</strong></a> recently completed a one-week work placement with <a href="https://theatreroyal.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Theatre Royal Plymouth</strong></a> at its Production and Learning Centre,TR2, gaining hands-on experience in <strong>costume production</strong> for the brand new production of ‘The Creakers’, based on the book by international singer-songwriter, and author, Tom Fletcher.</p>
<p><strong>Sol McCullough </strong>and<strong> Jess Reeby</strong>, both studying the<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-fashion-textiles"><strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Fashion & Textiles</strong></a>, worked as <strong>costume makers</strong>, constructing garments and learning industry-specific techniques such as sewing complex applique, gussets, full jacket and short construction. Students were introduced into how fittings were carried out and conducted for the theatre.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The students' work made a strong impression on the TR2 team, who praised their professionalism and technical skill.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Delia Lancaster, Head of Costume Production at Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “Sol and Jess were brilliant work experience and a massive credit to Arts University Plymouth. They worked on actual costumes and played a part in delivering these to meet the deadline and requirements of the designer. They showed up on time and worked with attention and focus on the different jobs they were tasked with. We would have them back again!"<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Sol McCullough, Pre-Degree Fashion & Textiles student, said: “I learnt that the theatre industry is far more exciting than I believed it would be. Having the pressure of the deadline and meeting the designer and directors helped push me to reach new heights. I learned that though it can seem daunting, it’s 100% worth it.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Jess Reeby, Pre-Degree Fashion & Textiles student, said: “Theatre is fast-moving, and you have to be adaptable. I learned how to sew braces and work with netting, which are really useful skills.”</p>
<p>Both students secured their placement after <strong>a Pre-Degree course visit to TR2</strong>, showing initiative by asking about work experience opportunities. Sol’s advice to future students was: “Just go for it, don’t think about it. Make the change, don’t wait for it.”</p>
<p dir="ltr">This placement is part of<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/"> <strong>Arts University Plymouth’s</strong></a> commitment to industry-led learning, preparing students for creative careers through <strong>real-world projects, competitions, and live industry briefs</strong>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Students studying the<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/courses/pre-degree/ual-level-3-extended-diploma-in-art-design-fashion-textiles"> <strong>UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion & Textiles</strong></a> at Arts University Plymouth’s <strong>Pre-Degree campus</strong> benefit from:</p><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Access to industry-standard facilities</strong>, including industrial sewing machines, digital design tools, and textile printing.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Live projects and competitions</strong>, such as the <strong>Royal Opera House Design Challenge</strong>.</p></li></ul>
<p><strong>Professional networking opportunities</strong>, including exhibitions, employer-led briefs, and opportunities to sell their work.</p>
“Just go for it, don’t think about it. Make the change, don’t wait for it.”
Sol McCullough - Pre-Degree Fashion & Textiles student
<p dir="ltr">Prospective students interested in <strong>fashion, textiles, and costume production</strong> can explore <strong>alternative post-16 study options</strong> at<a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-apr25"> </a><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-may25">Arts University Plymouth’s upcoming<strong> Pre-Degree Open Day</strong></a>, at <strong>Palace Court</strong>, Plymouth on <strong>Saturday 31 May </strong>from<strong> 11am to 1:30pm. </strong><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/events/open-day-pre-degree-may25">Register here to attend.</a></p>
<p>Attendees can <strong>tour the dedicated Pre-Degree campus, meet tutors, and explore creative career pathways</strong> at Britain’s leading independent arts university.</p>
