Erin Cowhig Croft - Designer for Theatre and Performance
I went into Design for Performance because for me it means helping to create experiences which you can share with others; I think it’s a way for us to see into each others minds which is an amazing thing. Before university I did some designing for circus performances and learned to combine my love of all things artistic and craft-based with aspects of performance to create a more spectacular show. Since then I have expanded my knowledge and skills through my programme of study to include experience of creating site specific performance, set dressing/construction, scale drawing and model-making, scene painting, basic pattern drafting, costume alteration, millinery, make-up, and puppet-making. Also, I feel I have improved my understanding of all aspects of design. I thrive on the element of team work and the sense of mutual achievement that the world of performance provides. Part of my enjoyment of design comes from the balance between inspiration and practicality I love to come up with concepts that are both thought provoking and enhance the performance but that are also realisable. It excites me to turn skills I already have to unusual areas, solving problems by calling on a craft I haven’t used in years to help complete a task, or inventing my own new way to do things. In the future, I want to merge my passion and skills in performance design with my interest and experience in community projects to build a really rewarding future career.