1 September 2014
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What does it take to make it in a creative industry?.
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This is the question being answered by a series of special guest speakers at Melbourne Polytechnic’s ‘Talking Heads’ industry discussion program. Each weekly talk provides insight from seasoned and successful professionals who have made their mark in the creative arts industry.
The guest speakers include:
- Janice Chalmers – Gentleman’s Cutter for the Australian Ballet
- Mike Lewis – Head of Broadcast Operations at Network 10
- Colleen Hewett – Renowned singer and actor
- Guy Gowan – 30+ years as a professional photographer
Open to students and the public, these talks allow these accomplished creative professionals to share their personal journeys and give valuable advice on being successful in a creative field.
Janice Chalmers’ experimental weave ‘Wahine wrap’ corset made from rust and indigo dyed natural fibres.
Janice Chalmers, Gentleman’s Cutter for the Australian Ballet, recently shared the experience she has gained during her career in theatrical costume making. Working for clients across the performing arts, such as Circus Oz, Melbourne Theatre Company, musical theatre (Rocky Horror Picture Show), and opera, Janice has been responsible for making costumes for characters of all shapes and sizes.
“I consider myself a technician; I bring a designer’s ideas to life,” Janice says. “I make their dreams come true with my technical skills.”
Janice loves working with great designers on unusual costumes, using beautiful fabrics and keeping traditions alive. Theatrical costumes are custom-made and need to be fitted to individuals, and many of the skills, such as making corsets and understanding the structures of period costumes, are very specialised.
“One of the lovely aspects of my job is collaborating with other people in the creative process. I’m constantly learning new things,” she says.
Her advice for anyone interested in entering the field of theatrical costuming is to stay curious – “Constantly explore the world, large and small. Practice and develop your own ideas, keep adding to your skills, and work with lots of different people. ”
There are eleven Talking Heads sessions in total, all free, and no booking is required. ‘Talking Heads’ runs until 8 October 2014.
For the full list of speakers, go to the Talking Heads page on the Melbourne Polytechnic website.