Solihull College & University Centre recently provided a Hair and Make Up Crew for St Augustine’s Musical Theatre Company’s performance of ‘KIPPS – The New ‘Half a Sixpence’ Musical’ at The Core Theatre in Solihull.
The crew was made up of a mixture of Level 2 Make Up Artistry and Level 3 Theatrical Make Up students from the College who were tasked with the full responsibility of hair, make-up and wig styling and fitting.
Students gained a lot of confidence working on the set and developed leadership and teamworking skills
The cast, crew, and director were full of praise of students. Cast member Chris Buckley commented on Facebook during the week: “The team are doing a fantastic job so far. As a performer, there is a lot of comfort in knowing that your make up and hair are going to be on point when you hit the stage. Well done all!”
KIPPS is a reinvention of the musical Half a Sixpence for the modern age in which the protagonist, Arthur Kipps, is an over-worked draper’s assistant at Shalford’s Bazaar, Folkestone, at the turn of the century.
Student Laynie Rollason worked as Manager and Jess Walsh as Assistant Manager and supported their peers throughout the week starting with rehearsals on Sunday through to the last showing on Saturday night.
Gallery of photos taken during a rehearsal of the show
Laynie commented: “I absolutely loved the experience and gained so many skills. I feel more confident taking that next step into employment after I finish my course.”
The students were supported by their Lecturers, Katie Miller and Katie Tombs, who accompanied them to the show throughout the week. Katie comments: “This was a unique and transformative experience for the students, allowing them to showcase their skills in a professional atmosphere. We’re very proud of them, and the enthusiasm and positivity with which they conducted themselves every single day.”
Watch Laynie deliver an exclusive Behind The Scenes tour of the Musical set and make up rooms at The Core Theatre which gave an insight into the work the students were doing.
