TAFE NSW Enmore Advanced Diploma of Live Production students will be showcasing their spectacular design work this week during two nights of light and colour at Sydney’s historic Enmore Theatre this week.

Entirely designed and produced by students from TAFE NSW, the performance will feature pre-professional dancers from Sydney Dance Company interacting with a lavish display of sumptuous costumes and innovative puppetry.

Over 100 dazzling costumes have been painstakingly created for the unique performance which allows TAFE NSW students to explore the heights of their creativity.

No-one knows how impressive this production can be than current Advanced Diploma student Lily Mateljan.

As a 15-year-old, Lily was taking drama classes in her hometown of Gosford, and having sewn and made clothes from 4 years of age, she was completely at home designing and creating costumes for the local productions.

Lily ultimately wanted to create beautiful costumes for film and television but had no idea where to start. Lily’s drama teacher recognised a deep passion for costume design in Lily and decided to accompany her to the TAFE NSW Enmore end of year show so she could see where her passion could take her.

“It was like a lightbulb moment. As soon as I saw the costumes, the light, movement and colour of the production I fell in love. I knew this was what I needed to do with my life.

“I was home-schooled and had no idea that an opportunity like this was available to me. As soon as I was eligible to study I signed up for the Certificate IV Design Fundamentals, and now I’m about to graduate my Advanced Diploma of Design for Live Production with TAFE NSW,” Lily said.

Entertainment, Design and Illustration Teacher Belinda Maudson said Lily had really excelled during her time at TAFE NSW.

“Lily came to us quite young but has since blossomed and matured into an incredibly bright and talented designer. Her studies at TAFE NSW have really helped consolidate her passion and given her the knowledge to execute her designs at a highly polished and professional level.”

Now 19 years old, Lily travels three hours each way from Gosford each day to continue her studies and is excited to contribute to this year’s student production.

“The benefit of studying at TAFE NSW is that you learn a bit of everything in terms of technique and it’s a great opportunity to experiment.

“During my studies and in preparation for the show I’ve been able to work with colour, get creative with textiles, explore computerised design and more,” Lily said.  

TAFE NSW Entertainment, Design and Illustration Teacher, Belinda Maudson said “The end of year show is a great opportunity for the TAFE NSW design students to explore all areas of production from costume design and set design to promotion, stage management, lighting, sound and film.”

“Lily is an extremely talented costume designer with a bright future ahead of her. We hope to inspire many others like her to pursue careers in production.”

Lily says she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of TAFE NSW.

“Finding TAFE NSW when I did was a huge turning point in my life. I credit my teachers and fellow students for getting me where I am today. In fact, I always say that coming here to TAFE NSW Enmore saved my life.”

This year’s end of year production entitled Anarchy will be held at the historic Enmore Theatre on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October at 7:30pm.

For more information about courses on offer at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.com.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, 0402 528 210, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au