Sarah Oxley

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use: Sewing Machine, Power Tools

About me

I am a freelance designer and maker working in television, events, community arts and the theatre. My background is in designing and making for theatre but opportunities arose to use my expertise working in short films and television through recommendations. I loved the experience and realised my range of skills and experience was very useful in these environments too.
In TV and short films I have held many different roles including production designer for BBC3's series The Big Proud Party Agency, costume designer/head of department for series 1 and 2 of Small World, production buyer/art decorator for ITVX's G'Wed, art director for CBBC's Sam and Mark's Big Friday Windup, CBeebies Pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk and the award winning short Mrs Peppercorn's Magical Reading Room.

Whilst developing a large body of work in the theatre I have designed both sets and costumes for plays, musicals, ballet, pantomimes, touring productions, youth projects and theatre in education across the UK. Working my way up to designer and then heading departments, I gained many extremely useful skills such as working to tight budgets and timescales, problem solving, leading and working as part of a team, working well and calmly under pressure, patience, an eye for detail and continuity and tenacity to get things done whilst adhering to the deign brief and aesthetics of the piece.
I’ve designed many site-specific, outdoor and promenade performances. I'm used to the last minute changes and the unexpected that does happen. It's made me practical, adaptable and very resourceful, used to problem solving and thinking on my feet.

I have been resident designer and project manager for Manchester Arts Education Initiative for the past fifteen years, designing, coordinating and managing projects that have been both promenade and site specific in unusual locations.

As a community artist and maker I have worked with Walk the Plank for the past twelve years on many projects including Manchester Day, Little Hulton Festival, The Darnhill Carnival, Diwali and Holi festivals, working with a wide variety of groups of people nurturing their creativity and confidence to produce amazing pieces of art whilst having a fun enriching experience.

The many productions I have helped to create have allowed me to develop my skills in prop making, scenic painting, sculpting, costume making, puppet making and buying.

I am passionate about what I do and am totally dedicated to producing work to the highest standard. I have learnt that being flexible, reliable and cheerful is the key. Working hard, staying calm and having fun, especially under pressure I have found to be vital to working together as a cohesive team and bring stories to life. I believe working in the various disciplines and the different experiences I have had, have given me the tools to produce a rich variety of work with depth and integrity.

Referees:
Please ask me for references.

License & Passport

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Art Director
Job Titles	Production Designer, Costume Designer, Costumer Maker, Costume / Costume Support, Art Director, Set Decorator, Prop Maker, Props Buyer, Props Assistant / Support, Art Dept Assistant, Set Dresser, Set Artist / Designer, Art Dept Stylist
Years in industry	6+ years
Organisations / Memberships	BECTU (UK)