No drama – Rachel is just sew good!

Edinburgh College student sews her way to success in Canada

An Edinburgh College student has beaten off hundreds of other competitors to intern with the world’s largest arts and creative centre in Canada. HND Theatre Costume Interpretation student, Rachel Johnson, will soon head to the Banff Centre for Arts in Alberta to work alongside internationally respected costume designers and directors.

Rachel, who has previously worked as an intern at Scottish Opera, beat off stiff competition internationally to claim one of only three internship spaces at the renowned theatre. This is the third time a student from Edinburgh College’s Theatre Costume Course has been awarded the internship.

During the 12 week paid training, Rachel will gain extensive experience working in the production wardrobe with ground-breaking artists, creating costumes for ballet, theatre and opera on an international stage. She will also have the opportunity to work with a diverse group of clients including visiting filmmakers and directors.

Rachel, who is originally from Aberlour but currently living in Glasgow, said: “I am honoured to have been given this fantastic opportunity. I will be a part of a team which helps to make the high scale productions at the theatre look visually magnificent for the audience, and I really can’t wait to get over there and get started.”

She added: “The interview process was quite intense but I’m glad my lecturer encouraged me to go for it. I had to create a personal statement, complete in-depth questionnaires and an interview over Skype. I think my 18^th century Marie Antoinette-style ladies dress caught the judges’ attention in particular, which is probably my most impressive piece.”

Anya Glinski, Edinburgh College Theatre Costume lecturer, said: “Rachel is an incredibly talented student and we are very proud that she has managed to secure an internship at this exciting venue. Rachel was initially recommended to train with us by the Head of Wardrobe at Scottish Opera after a successful work experience placement, and has come on in leaps and bounds over the past two years. This will put another feather in her cap and I’m sure the internship in Canada will be an incredible experience.”

Anya added:“We frequently have students accepted as interns with the Royal Opera House, National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as all major companies in Scotland who all endorse our training as one of the best in Britain. The College is well positioned to give students the very best educational experience possible because of its excellent relationships with the top arts employers in Scotland and worldwide.”