Innovative venture supports self-employed theatrical costume makers
Harriet Clifford
Monday, October 19, 2020
Everyone within the theatre industry has suffered as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, not just venues and the actors who stand on stage. Alliance of Theatrical Seamsters (ALOFTS) has launched to provide income for those self-employed seamsters who have been unable to continue working since theatres closed back in March.
The initiative has seen costume makers from productions such as Mamma Mia, Wicked and We Will Rock You commissioned to make theatre-themed items using custom printed fabrics. The range, which launched last month, includes tote bags and small zip bags, with more items to be added in the coming weeks.
Directors of Go For Wardrobe Hannah Kinkead and Mike Bolton are behind the project, having both worked in the theatre and live entertainment industries for many years. Go For Wardrobe is a wardrobe staffing and solutions business.
Hannah Kinkead said, ‘Our beloved industry is in crisis. So many talented and passionate people are sitting at home unable to work, and we had to do something positive to get seamsters working again. The idea of ALOFTS is to make beautifully crafted, desirable and useful items that people can use daily.’
Mike Bolton added, ‘The past few months have been difficult. We were looking around at so many of our friends not working, and we knew we had to try and do something. For many of us, it’s all we’ve ever known - working in our world is a lifestyle, not just a job.’
If you’ve set up a new drama or theatre initiative like this in response to COVID-19, we’d love to hear from you. Please send details to harriet.clifford@markallengroup.com