Emma Louise James

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

Since the age of 2 years old; when I started dance training/performing, I have always had a passion for the theatre and the arts. From the early years performing as a child to the recent years working professionally for various theatres and organisation my passion, drive and excitement about working in live theatre/performance has never changed. In one way or another since the age of 2 I have always been involved in theatre and the arts.

In the early years of my career, just after university, I worked freelance full time taking work as wardrobe and crew for theatres – my first contract on leaving university was with Phoenix Dance Theatre as wardrobe assistant.
I also at this time continued my dance/performance career undertaking freelance contracts for various venues i.e Radio One, ITV etc My performance skills also developed to include stilt walking, fire performing and human statue work.

A few years later I took a full time employed job with a theatrical communications company called Impact Ltd that produced small scaling touring shows for educational purposes: I was employed as assistant technician to assist with the design and production of all set, prop, costume and sound elements of the shows produced.

From 2005 to 2014 my creative skills were utilised in a project management role for the creative charity Space2 Leeds; creating opportunities for communities in Leeds to take part in various creative projects, workshops and shows. My role as project management was a part-time flexi hour contract which allowed me to continue to undertake freelance contracts as a Wardrobe Designer/Maker/Supervisor and/or performer i.e. stilt walking for companies and theatres all over the UK. In 2007 I established my freelance design/seamstress business as Seamless Designs.

In the last couple of years I have undertaken larger and large scale Wardrobe/costume roles for various companies and theatres
I found that many of the skills I had developed and utilised in the project management role have also strongly supported my development. I feel I have a strong ability to not only source fabric etc and make costumes but also to manage large scale budgets, manage staff and productions, and always meet deadlines in a timely and professional manner. I feel I understand costume work from many angles; as designer, maker, supervisor and even performer (due my performance experience) – the skills and knowledge I have built up over the years all seem to support and enhance the wardrobe work I undertake.

Since 2014 I have worked as Head of Wardrobe for Phoenix Dance Theatre; where I design, make and supervisor all 'appearance' aspects of the company dancers i.e. costume, hair, makeup etc. This employment is part time flexi hours, therefore I have continued to development my freelance contracts/work and my company Seamless Designs is currently under expansion and taking on various contracts all over the UK.

To date also continue to take on performance based freelance contracts as a street artist - Stilt Walker and Fire Performer.
Referees:
Katie Town
Artistic Director
Theatre Royal Wakefield
Drury Lane
Wakefield
WF1 2TE
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Sharon Watson
Creative Director
St Cecilia Street
Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7PD
Phoenix Dance Theatre
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License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Costume Maker
Job Titles	Costume Designer, Costumer Maker, Costume / Costume Support, Wardrobe / Wardrobe Support, Props Assistant / Support, General Staff
Years in industry	6+ years
Organisations / Memberships	Equity (UK)