Stage Debut Award winner Khadija Raza talks about TheatreCraft 2018

0167C47C-9ED8-4339-8F8E-E11903D63BB8

Having trained on the BA (Hons) Design for Stage course at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Khadija Raza’s star has risen within the industry, having gone on to work on set and design projects from the Arcola to the Bush Theatre. Her work has seen her win the prestigious Linbury Prize for stage design as well as a Stage Debut Award for her costume design work featured in the Bush Theatre production of Hijabi Monologues. Khadija will lead a workshop at this year’s TheatreCraft on Set and Costume Design for the Stage. TheatreCraft, aimed at theatre enthusiasts aged between 16 to 30 looks to encourage those looking to pursue a career behind the scenes. Read on to find out more about Khadija’s workshop!

Hi Khadija, you’ll be taking part in this year’s TheatreCraft. How are you feeling ahead of the event?

I’m really excited to be taking part in Theatrecraft this year and hopefully helping inspire young people to learn about theatre and various roles within it.

What drew you to take part?

I attended theatrecraft myself, a few years ago, and it was a great opportunity to learn about designers and what their job really consists of. It a chance to ask questions and make contacts so I was to take part when I was asked to.

What can attendees expect from your talk/workshop?

People can expect to learn  about what a theatre designer does. I’ll be doing the workshop with a great designer, Frankie Bradshaw, and we’ll be talking about our processes and approaches to designing.

What would you like for attendees to take away from your talk/workshop?

Hopefully gain an insight in to what we do on a day to day basis and how important design is in transforming spaces and helping tell stories

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in set and costume design?

I was always a creative person and very interested in visual arts and the profound affect it can have on an audience. I was also drawn to stories and I love listening to them and telling them. So theatre seemed like the perfect place to combine my love for both art and stories.

You’re an alumni of the Central School of Speech and Drama BA (Hons) Design for Stage course. How has that supported your set and costume design career journey?

My time at central has been instrumental in helping me be where I am. I learned so much about the practical skills I need to do my job. As someone who did not come from a theatre background, being in a drama school and surrounded by so  many different collaborators was amazing.

You recently won the Best Designer Award at this year’s Stage Debut Awards. How does it feel to be acknowledged for your work?

It’s so lovely to be recognised for my work! And so early on in my career. To be acknowledged by other practitioners that I admire, is strange and wonderful thing.

What advice would you give to aspiring set and costume designers?

My advice would be to be brave, be resilient and find your own voice as a designer. Don’t feel pressured be everything at once or compare yourself to your contemporaries. Surround yourself with nurturing, supportive people and keep going on your pace and nothing can stop you from pursuing your dream.

Questions by Lucy Basaba.

TheatreCraft will take place on Monday 19th November 2018 at The Waldorf Hilton. You can book to attend workshops and talks which are free, or attend the careers fair. For more info on the day and booking, visit here…

Written by Theatrefullstop