Speedy Costume Alterations with Angela Robertson

Course date: Thursday 17 July | 0930 – 1630

Application deadline: Friday 27 June | 0900

If you’re working in film and TV in Scotland and want to sharpen your costume alteration skills, this one-day hands-on training course is for you.

Led by seasoned costume supervisor Angela Robertson, this intensive session is designed to help you build confidence, speed, and accuracy when making costume alterations under pressure, a vital skill set in fast-paced productions.

🧵 What You’ll Learn

To make the day as action packed, engaging & insightful as possible we have split the day into two practical sessions:

Morning: Hand Sewing Focus

> Learn how to properly fit and pin garments for alteration

> Practice basic hemming techniques

> Apply back and waist darts to streamline the fit of garments and waistbands

> Discover tips for pressing and ironing finished pieces to a professional standard

Afternoon: Machine Sewing Skills

> Build your confidence using a sewing machine

> Explore time-saving hacks and techniques for speedy costume fixes

> Learn how to take and record full actor measurements accurately

Angela’s goal is to pass on practical skills that can be immediately applied on set. This will ensure garments not only look right on screen but also fit perfectly in real-time scenarios.

🎭 About Angela Robertson

Angela Robertson has over 40 years of experience working in theatre, film, and TV. The majority of her career has been spent as a costume supervisor on a wide range of period and contemporary productions; a role she has loved every minute of. In this phase of life she’s passionate about passing on her knowledge to the next generation of costumiers.

This course offers a rare opportunity to learn from one of Scotland’s most experienced professionals in the industry.

Eligibility:

This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.

> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.

> Students are not eligible for this training.

Selection:

> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.

> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.

> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training.

> Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.

> We have a travel fund to support anyone who may need help with travel costs.