Head of Production and Design
Sean Crowley
Sean Crowley studied at Wimbledon School of Art and has since
worked across the design spectrum in film, opera, theatre and
television. He has been Wales’ most prolific theatre designer over
the past 11 years, designing over 150 productions for companies
across Wales, the UK and Europe. Sean became Head of Design at
RWCMD in 1999 and is also the college's Director of Drama. Sean is
the Chair of the Society of British Theatre Designers and Project
Leader for World Stage Design to be held at the College in
September 2013. He has been a member of the Linbury Prize committee
since 2002. He is Vice Chair for the Education Committee of the
Organisation of International Scenographers, Theatre Architects and
Technicians (OISTAT). In 2007 Sean was Project Leader for the
Prague Quadrennial Scenofest – an international festival of design
and performance attracting some 30,000 visitors with over 5000
active participants. Sean was made an Honorary Fellow of the
College in July 2007 and was appointed as an Associate Director at
the Torch Theatre in 2010.
“I know my strongest work to date has been in
allowing others to succeed, to manage environments that allow
students, staff and projects to flourish. I enjoy challenges and
love working with people of all ages who are passionate about their
area of expertise.” Sean Crowley
Lecturers in Design
Chris Marfleet
"I guess that one characteristic about me is that I have always
enjoyed making a performance out of everything and anything!
Finding a suitable outlet for this particular ‘attribute’ led me to
study Drama at Bristol University, where I specialised in theatre
design. My professional training was then as a design assistant in
repertory theatre and gradually I began to work independently. The
diversity I experienced as a freelance and resident designer
kindled a fascination with alternative or ‘found’ spaces, new
writing and devised performance. Eventually I started to teach in
art schools and drama colleges, where I feel more than anywhere
else is a place in which to play and experiment with performance.
Recent ventures into the unknown world of Fine Art, led me to
achieving an MA in Art Practice with distinction from the
University of Glamorgan in 2011. I feel intensely proud of this
insane undertaking. The MA experience has certainly refreshed my
teaching and learning and allowed me to develop my passion for
space and place through sculpture and installation, encouraging me
to explore the relationship between critical theory and art
practise. I also think that perhaps I have been reminded what it
really feels like to be a student ... it’s not easy!
Here at Royal Welsh College highlights have undoubtedly included
the chance to develop the puppetry in performance and site specific
work, to consistently meet and work with so many skilled
performance makers and, as such, feel integrally connected in
helping shape contemporary performance practise."
Bettina Reeves
Tina is a theatre designer and costume lecturer who loves to
combine her love of textiles, puppetry and sculptural elements in
her work. She gets enormous pleasure from sharing these skills with
her students, especially in the annual Fashion Show and Puppetry in
Performance projects.
Tina has also managed to use her experience of travelling in
India, China and Tibet when deciding upon themes for the
Puppetry.
Her freelance work has included designing many different
productions – from small scale touring in Wales, to large scale
community projects and new writing with the Royal Court and Paines
Plough.
Jen Rowlands
"...half woman, half Crown emulsion, I love seeing students
conquer their fear of large scale work, until eventually a piece of
painting measuring 2m high seems like child’s play...
I am a painter, theatre designer and scenic artist, and love
working in theatre because it’s an art form that is, when
successful, very accessible to the public."
Lecturers in Costume
Jill Salen
"I am passionate about creating costumes, reconstructions or
realisations so working at RWCMD with its huge volume of shows
ensures I have plenty of enthusiastic, motivated students to work
with. For relaxation, I am a freelance costume maker and have
worked on films and television series with Cosprop and Welsh
National Opera this year. My secret vice is that I love
research,"
Jill is the author of Vintage Lingerie; Patterns and
Techniques, (Batsford 2011) and Corsets; Patterns and
Techniques (2008), she is currently researching Retro
Swimwear.
Karen Thomas
Ruth Woodington
Lecturers in Historical and Contextual Studies
Geoff Moore
Elizabeth Friendship
Design Technician
Rorie Brophy
Wardrobe Supervisor
Allie Saunders
A Wardrobe Mistress who lives and breathes her trade, Allie aka
'Mrs Cardiff' was recently photographed in an array of her costumes
as part of the BigLittleCity exhibition.
Her professional work includes design for theatre, film and
television, and more recently fashion styling for TV presenters and
music videos.
Allie is a graduate of the college and is passionate about its
work. She is excited by the new working and learning environment
provided by the new development.