Creative students deliver glitz and glamour at UON’s Changemaker Awards 2023

Behind the flashing lights and fashionistas of the red carpet, a team of students on the University of Northampton’s Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen course put their skills to good practice to make sure guests stepped out in style at the recent Changemaker Awards.

The four students – Kim Nicolls, Polly Barker, Tia Bush and Ojas Kaur – were tasked with the industry challenge of being introduced to four new clients* and discussing plans for hair and make-up, before preparing them for their star entrance at the main event.

Deputy Head of Subject: Culture – Media, Film and Special Effects, Anthony Stepniak said: “This course provides students with industry-standard tasks that mimic experiences they can expect from a career in their chosen creative industries.

“This collaboration with the Changemaker Awards provided invaluable employability experience in the time-sensitive nature of award shows, and the need for professional engagement with key clients and stakeholders.

“The task involved drawing on professional etiquette, communication and timekeeping – key transferable skills for the range of roles students can work in following the degree. I’m happy to say they were all terrific and the clients looked incredible.”

Also on hand to ensure the looks were catwalk ready was Bridgette Ellwood, a British TV Make-Up Artist who leaned on her extensive professional experience to support the students with creating their final looks.

On supporting the students with creating their final looks, Bridgette said: “The styles created by the team of students were nothing short of professional, on-brief and suited the style of their clients perfectly.

“It really speaks volumes that the customers were beaming with smiles throughout the entire process and entered the award event feeling like a million dollars. If this is the standard of hair and make up stylists currently being trained at the University of Northampton, then I must say – I’m impressed!”

*The staff members who took part were: Lorna Jowett, Ross Forsythe, Evelyn Mulinge, Karen Jones, Melissa Symonds and Tilly Neill.

Find out more about studying Hair, Make-Up and Prosthetics for Stage and Screen at the University of Northampton.