Catherine trained in Period & Theatrical Costume-Making at the Northern College of Costume in York, UK in 2019. Prior to that, she was originally a self-taught seamstress for several years as a cosplayer and had done many needlework projects as a child before deciding to formally pursue a career in Costume. She also holds a Bachelor of Design (Multimedia Design) [2010], with a background in web design and 3D modelling.
Catherine loves the creative, problem-solving process whilst collaborating with other talented artists. Being able to use her Multimedia Design skills for turning 2D images into physical 3D models has proven to be valuable.
She was inspired by pop culture, but has since turned to exploring period and historical costuming. Her work has always focused on attention to detail, tailoring and workmanship.
Catherine developed her costume skills on independent films, through cosplaying, and by volunteering on a multitude of amateur theatre productions, constantly learning and developing techniques to further her craft.
After four years as a hobbyist cosplayer, Catherine decided to go freelance and started her own side business, Illumis Creations, offering costume and embroidery commissions. Now, she sells handmade products.
By 2017, she had decided she wanted to purse theatre and costuming as a career. At the beginning of 2019, Catherine moved to the UK on a two-year working visa to complete a fifteen-week course at the Northern Costume of College in York, making three period costumes: a Tudor lady, an Edwardian men's Norfolk jacket and knee breeches, and a WW1 era evening dress (circa 1914-1917).
She finished in May and spent two weeks of work placement in the costume workroom of Shakespeare's Rose Theatre in Malton, York before being employed as a Dresser for their York summer season of Twelfth Night and Hamlet.
In early 2020, Catherine spent two weeks interning with Hand & lock, the oldest embroidery house in London and embroiderers for the British Royal Family, and at Ciment Pleating in Hertfordshire (their work includes Game of Thrones, The Prince of Egypt Musical, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, as well as major fashion houses and celebrities), learning the age-old technique of hand-pleating. Sadly, the global pandemic cut short her stay after only fourteen months and she returned to Melbourne.
Catherine has an extensive array of industry credits in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Hard-working and ambitious, she will happily travel to chase her dreams.
As an avid traveller and adventurer, she will gladly relocate or travel to pursue work opportunities either domestically or internationally. In 2017-18, she worked in Melbourne, Auckland and Sydney respectively on consecutive seasons with Pop-Up Globe before moving to the UK to train.
After the season at Shakespeare's Rose Theatre in York ended in 2019, Catherine moved to London in search of work and pursued job opportunities in theatre and film around the country. She was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to spend a couple days on location on The Electrical Life of Louis Wain outside of London as a Costume Crowd Daily/Standby and assist one day in their costume workroom, as well as spend a day on set as a Costume Daily Trainee for the new All Creatures Great and Small TV series in Harrogate.
Described as a 'Dresser Tourist' by one UK theatre Tech Manager, Catherine hopped between regional UK theatres to dress on touring productions, such as Les Misérables and the King and I. She was also offered the opportunity to tour with Feld Entertainment's Marvel Universe Live! Age of Heroes arena stunt show around England, Scotland and Ireland for five weeks at the end of 2019 as part of their local touring crew.
Since 2022, Catherine has toured Australia as a Deputy Head of Wardrobe on Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Opera Australia) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Dead Puppet Society), and as the Head of Wardrobe on Cirque Alice (SK Entertainment). She also regularly travels the country to work.
| PRODUCTION | COMPANY | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| F. Ciment Pleating | Hertfordshire, UK | Studio Assistant (intern) |
| Hand & Lock Embroidery | London, UK | Studio Assistant (intern) |
| Shakespeare's Rose Theatre (Hamlet / Twelfth Night) | York, UK | Workroom Assistant (work placement) |
A fast learner, eager and willing to share knowledge. Catherine has experience in fast-paced, stressful environments; long, unsociable hours, and can adapt to different situations. Works well in a team and as an individual.
In many different Costume and Wardrobe roles in theatre and screen - small to large productions, and touring shows, including assisting approx. 500+ crowd extras dress in period costumes for a feature film!
Has a variety of industry credits in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Full driver's license and valid passport. Always ready for a new adventure! Will travel and/or relocate domestically or internationally.
Thriving on the fast-paced, hectic atmosphere of live theatre, Catherine will happily be involved in all stages of a project from the workroom through to production.
She hopes her skills and experience will help her pursue her career in the Australian theatre and film industry further.
If you have any employment opportunities for touring theatre, film/TV trainee roles in any area of Costume/Wardrobe, please get in touch below. Catherine would love to hear from you.
Costume Maker & Wardrobe Technician
Copyright © 2019 - 2026 Catherine Chan Costumier
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