Set and costume designer
Kate Unwin
30
Kate Unwin, 30, worked backstage for free to get her first theatre experience. She is now a freelance set and costume designer and has worked for companies including Derby Playhouse, Leicester Haymarket and Heartbreak Productions.
"Every show is totally different with a new set of people and ideas"
Hometown
Northamptonshire – now living in Leicester
What do you do?
Self-employed set and costume designer
What was your very first role in theatre?
Box office staff at Loughborough Town Hall , and while I was there I helped out in the theatre for free as a crew member. I worked as flyman (flylady?!), followspot operator, prop maker and scenic painter. Eventually they started paying me something.
What have you done in theatre?
In the last couple of years I have designed for companies including Heartbreak Productions ; Derby Playhouse ; Leicester Haymarket ; Playbox Theatre ; Wired Theatre Co. and Central Line Touring
I have also designed for a music video; worked on some Creative Partnerships projects in schools; redesigned a theatre cafe; and designed a stand for the Chelsea Flower Show!
Have you got qualifications?
BTEC foundation in art and design and a degree in interior architecture
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A detective!
What do you do all day?
No two days are ever the same. What I do depends on what stages the shows are at. Some days I am at home designing, making models, doing admin, accounts, etc. I have lots of meetings at all stages of the process. I spend a lot of time sourcing props, costumes, etc. I could be attending costume fittings, meeting builders, checking progress of work being created. If the show is fitting up I am at the theatre and will usually be there every day until the press night.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety. Every show is totally different with a new set of people and ideas.
And the worst?
Long hours and rubbish pay. I have a pretty non-existent social life at times.
What’s your dream job in theatre?
I am doing it! Would love to design for the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) one day and travel abroad more.
Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Keep going if you really want to do it. Meet as many relevant people in the industry as you can and follow up contacts. Give every project all your energy and creativity and put the hours in and it will pay off eventually.
