Bio
Rebecca has been involved within theatre arts and costume from an early age. This life long passion led her to study costuming at Bournemouth and Poole College for Art and Design (now Arts University Bournemouth) in England, majoring in Costume Interpretation (technology). In 1995, after completing her course at Bournemouth, she became a freelance costume technologist. Rebecca worked throughout the UK for several major regional theatres, including the London’s Globe and The Oldham Coliseum.
Accepting a job in 1996 from Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Centre in Loch Sheldrake, New York transformed Rebecca’s career track. Her ten years spent as Costume Shop Manager (Head of Costumes), Costume Designer/Maker and Teacher for Stagedoor. Provided opportunities to grow her skills in teamwork and leadership as well as building a strong professional network.
Rebecca moved permanently, in 2001 to America. For a position as costume cutter & maker for the Birmingham Children’s Theatre. After six months, she was promoted to Costume Shop Manager (Head of Wardrobe) within one year she was hired consistently to design costumes for both main stage and wee folk shows.
In 2006, a world-premier show being mounted in Tennessee, came calling for Rebecca.
She was hired as the assistant designer for the show, The Miracle. Working alongside Konnie Kittrell - head designer - Rebecca lead the costume construction team, patterned and cut over 200 costumes. Including costumes for over-sized animals. Once in tech Rebecca was hired as Head of Running Wardrobe, setting up and running the wardrobe department in a brand new purpose built theatre for the show. In addition to Rebecca’s main theatre work, she has also worked off off Broadway, with regional opera companies and with competitive High School show choirs, gaining award-winning success.
After 20 years of professional practice, Rebecca decided to go back to Graduate School for a Masters in Fine Arts degree. Because she felt that she wanted to share what she had learnt and elevate her career to a higher level. During her time at The University of Montana, she designed shows that included The Cherry Orchard, Hay Fever and Crazy for You. As an instructor she has taught a wide variety of classes including; Costume Construction, Independent Study in Corsetry, Costume History, Flat Patterning and Drafting, Textiles Manipulation to Stage Make-up.
After graduating, Rebecca took a position at The University of Oklahoma for the College of Performing Arts. As their costume shop supervisor and as an adjunct lecturer for stage make-up. Working alongside Prof. Lloyd Cracknel she was able to mentor costume design and technology student to gain award winning success. Next she was appointed Lecturer of Pattern Cutting in 2013 for The London College for Fashion Studies in Hanoi, Vietnam. Rebecca honed all her skills gained during her professional practice and graduate school. Her knowledge for both contemporary fashion, historical cut garments and surface textiles developed whilst collaborating and supporting fellow faculty members for a new BTEC HND curriculum at the school.
In February 2016 Rebecca joined the School of Art and Media at the University of Salford Manchester. Her roll as Senior Wardrobe Technician (Costume Shop Manager) involves primary to provide support in the areas of live performance across the school. Supporting the wardrobe team and provide a vital link between the academic teaching and students needs. Rebecca's expertise was called on to help write a brand new BA (hons) in Costume Design for the university.
Rebecca's professional experience, vast knowledge, attention to detail and professionalism are the qualities that make her the perfect asset for any theatre, college or Higher Education institution.
Accepting a job in 1996 from Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Centre in Loch Sheldrake, New York transformed Rebecca’s career track. Her ten years spent as Costume Shop Manager (Head of Costumes), Costume Designer/Maker and Teacher for Stagedoor. Provided opportunities to grow her skills in teamwork and leadership as well as building a strong professional network.
Rebecca moved permanently, in 2001 to America. For a position as costume cutter & maker for the Birmingham Children’s Theatre. After six months, she was promoted to Costume Shop Manager (Head of Wardrobe) within one year she was hired consistently to design costumes for both main stage and wee folk shows.
In 2006, a world-premier show being mounted in Tennessee, came calling for Rebecca.
She was hired as the assistant designer for the show, The Miracle. Working alongside Konnie Kittrell - head designer - Rebecca lead the costume construction team, patterned and cut over 200 costumes. Including costumes for over-sized animals. Once in tech Rebecca was hired as Head of Running Wardrobe, setting up and running the wardrobe department in a brand new purpose built theatre for the show. In addition to Rebecca’s main theatre work, she has also worked off off Broadway, with regional opera companies and with competitive High School show choirs, gaining award-winning success.
After 20 years of professional practice, Rebecca decided to go back to Graduate School for a Masters in Fine Arts degree. Because she felt that she wanted to share what she had learnt and elevate her career to a higher level. During her time at The University of Montana, she designed shows that included The Cherry Orchard, Hay Fever and Crazy for You. As an instructor she has taught a wide variety of classes including; Costume Construction, Independent Study in Corsetry, Costume History, Flat Patterning and Drafting, Textiles Manipulation to Stage Make-up.
After graduating, Rebecca took a position at The University of Oklahoma for the College of Performing Arts. As their costume shop supervisor and as an adjunct lecturer for stage make-up. Working alongside Prof. Lloyd Cracknel she was able to mentor costume design and technology student to gain award winning success. Next she was appointed Lecturer of Pattern Cutting in 2013 for The London College for Fashion Studies in Hanoi, Vietnam. Rebecca honed all her skills gained during her professional practice and graduate school. Her knowledge for both contemporary fashion, historical cut garments and surface textiles developed whilst collaborating and supporting fellow faculty members for a new BTEC HND curriculum at the school.
In February 2016 Rebecca joined the School of Art and Media at the University of Salford Manchester. Her roll as Senior Wardrobe Technician (Costume Shop Manager) involves primary to provide support in the areas of live performance across the school. Supporting the wardrobe team and provide a vital link between the academic teaching and students needs. Rebecca's expertise was called on to help write a brand new BA (hons) in Costume Design for the university.
Rebecca's professional experience, vast knowledge, attention to detail and professionalism are the qualities that make her the perfect asset for any theatre, college or Higher Education institution.