INDUSTRY INSIGHT: LOTTIE DAVIES
Written by Jessica Eagles
Edited by Charlie Killen
For this week we chose to interview Lottie Davies, one of the lectures here at Solent. I’m always quite intrigued when it comes to finding out about all of the lectures and technical instructors careers and I will always find a way to find out how they got started in the industry. I swear it’s a hidden talent of mine, but anyways we hope you enjoy getting to know a bit more about Lottie.
“How did you start your career?”
After finishing Education and getting my Hairdressing qualification and VAI in Media Make-up, I worked in a salon and took on work experience in both theatre and live performance. From this experience I made industry contacts and networked to my first professional job roles.
“What do you like/dislike about the industry?”
I really enjoy working back stage and the fast pace nature of theatre, also working with creatives, crew and cast from multiple and diverse backgrounds. I do not always enjoy commuting to London and working unsociable hours including late nights and weekends.
“What inspires you?”
What inspires me is the creative input I have in freelance work from designing to creating varied and diverse outcomes with wigs, hair and make-up.
“What is your greatest achievement?”
This is a hard one as I have worked on many fantastic shows and worked with amazing talent. I would say my greatest achievement is being recognised in industry and my practical skill set and design used in productions. Seeing my work on stage or promotion and marketing material is defiantly a rewarding achievement.
“What are some of your favourite shows you’ve worked on?”
Again, another hard question as each show has its own rewards, I enjoyed working with the touring stage show for American Idiot, the Green Day musical, I had the pleasure of working with the cast and creative from New York, working on a look for the UK audience. I have worked on many West End and touring shows including, Pretty woman, Mamma Mia, Strictly ballroom and Grease, however, my longest relationship has been with Les Misérables. I have worked on the last two UK tours and currently on my second year working with the cast and crew at the Sondheim Theatre in London. Les Misérables will always have my heart.
“What skills have you found the hardest to master?”
I wouldn’t say I have found mastering any technical that difficult, fundamental skills in wigs hair and make-up stay the same, however, keeping up with new products and techniques can be time consuming when working. This being said developing my skill set and moving with industry is very important to stay relevant so continuing training and learning from the other creatives is key.
“What’s one bit of advice you’d say people joining the industry need?”
Make sure you put yourself forward and have the confidence to try new experience, be on time and professional. Working in a team is key to any successful backstage department. You can learn new skills from the people around you so the way you work and integrate into a team will improve your contacts and network, you will always have a job if you're a team player.
It was so amazing talking to Lottie about her career and so fun to find out she has worked on a ton of popular shows in London. It was really inspiring to hear how she is always learning new things and finding new techniques. It makes me feel confident about entering the industry as no matter when you started or how long you’ve been doing it there is always something new to try.
