Jennifer Allen studied BA Costume Production, and graduated in 2012. We caught up with Jennifer and asked her to share her experiences of studying at Rose Bruford College and how her education has helped her to succeed in the industry.
What did you like most about studying at Rose Bruford College?
I loved my course, I thoroughly enjoyed how we learnt about so many aspects within the theatre industry- making costumes, running wardrobe, back stage, dying and breaking down, millinery etc. The uni itself was a lot smaller than others I looked at which made me feel I had more one on one time with my tutors. It also meant the class sizes where smaller so felt like we were really looked after.
The Campus was always filled with creative things going on and everyone was immersed in a very inspiring, fun, exciting atmosphere from day one.
How has your course helped you to get to where you are today?
It gave me the tools and the confidence to apply for a dressing job straight out of Uni and then to further work my way up the ladder as time went on. The fact we put on shows in our 2nd and 3rd year with the rest of the courses in the year meant I knew what each member of the wardrobe team did, how a department needed to run, how to work alongside other teams and then built on my skills to Deputy and now Head of Wardrobe roles.
It also meant I had the practical skills to take on sewing jobs and costume making contracts for theatre and TV without hesitation as we had done everything from patten cutting to embellishment to alterations to fitting and more.
Now that I am in a position to hire people, when I see Rose Bruford College on a CV I pull them straight to the top of the pile. I have no doubt that the training they received has given them all the correct skills and work ethic I know would make a reliable team member.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
I feel very privileged to have worked with so many amazing people on a number of terrific shows.
My first Panto was at the Palladium working with Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary who where just a scream a minute and we had the most outrageous and beautiful costumes to work with.
Having worked on a number shows that have won Olivier Awards for best costume design is always a huge highlight and sense of pride for me.
Working along side award winning designers, like Catherine Zuber on “Moulin Rouge”, Marg Horwell on “The picture of Dorian Gray” and the amazing Gregg Barns on “The Devil Wears Prada” has been a dream come true and an honour.
Setting up “The Devil Wears Prada” has been a big achievement for me and ticked a huge life goal box. It was always a dream of mine to set up a big new musical on the west-end and Bruford gave me the tools to achieve this for sure.
How have you stayed connected to Rose Bruford College since graduation?
I am always in contact with other Bruford Graduates in the industry as we are always asking each other for references, if people are free to cover or do sewing work, free to fill a roll etc.
Even across different year groups we are a tight group and always help each other out.
Currently within the Wardrobe Department at “Devil Wears Prada” I have three colleagues from Rose Bruford College from different year groups.
I also keep in touch with my tutors Tash and Colin who where brilliant, not only on a friendship level but also work wise whether it be donating fabrics, dead costumes or take on work experience people.
What would you say to a student thinking of applying for your course today?
DO IT!!! I loved it, it got me where I am today and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d go back to do it all again if I could.
Pick three words to describe Rose Bruford College
Inspiring, Thorough, Fun