Next up in the Industry Partner Awards 2015 is the Newcomer Award where we recognise our new industry partners that have provided work experience, careers advice and have also collaborated with London College of Fashion. The Newcomer Award looked at LCF’s most recent industry partners that have helped students with valuable industry insight and creativity, provided career advice, and have guided students through work experience.
This year’s winner is world renowned opera house Glyndebourne, East Sussex. Founded in 1934 by John Christie and his opera singer wife, Audrey Mildmay, Glyndebourne has been committed to presenting opera of the highest quality, commissioning new work, reaching new audiences and now developing and nurturing new talent with the help of LCF. Glyndebourne Education has been running a diverse and varied program of projects, activities and event since the department began in 1986.
LCF News spoke Chloe Westwood, Glyndebourne Press Officer, following the award announcement to hear her reflection of the new partnership.
LCF student, Megan Emily, came to us in January for four weeks work experience in production wigs. One of her tasks was weaving a layer for a set of ladders for the Saul wig. We needed four sets so there was a lot of work to be done. Megan worked so well in-house that I was able to employ her on a freelance basis working around her course work.
When it came to the performances of Saul, I arranged for Megan to shadow a member of the running show staff and eventually Megan was able to run the plot independently. This has meant that I have been able to employ Megan this autumn to work on Saul on the Tour, and hope to do the same for Festival 2016, if her dissertation and final project allows.
When it comes to taking on new students, what are the key things you look for?
I look for creativity, attention to detail, enthusiasm, good social skills and tenacity. One of our greatest ambitions at Glyndebourne is to nurture new talent. This stretches across all departments; from orchestra to gardens, singers to costume – so we’re thrilled and delighted to hear that the Wig department has been awarded this nomination by LCF.
What makes this award even more special is that I trained at LCF. They were wonderful years and I was fortunate enough to move directly to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden then the National Theatre before coming to Glyndebourne.
London College of Fashion would also like to congratulate Victoria Beckham, GGHQ, Levis, Coty and Wallmark who were highly commended in the Newcomer Award Industry Partner Awards.
Stay tuned for more Industry Partner Award 2015 winner announcements next week.
More:
- Read about other Industry Partner Awards winners
- Find out more about LCF Careers
- Check out LCF Careers Live