Tara Gannon Carr

BA (Hons) in Performing Arts

Sligo

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course:

I have always had a keen interest in film, TV and theatre, but I did not know where to begin. I felt I was late to the game being a mature student, but I am determined so I started researching and came across ATU Sligo Performing Arts course, it sounded so appealing and had what I was looking for. In school I was in all the plays creative with a great imagination, but I was never accepted as clever or studious. I found out through this course and going back to college that I love study and I loved what this course had to offer. I got to express my talents and explore new ones. My confidence grew. As far back as I can remember I had always wanted to act and to be a part of the film industry, choosing this course was the perfect platform to enhance my abilities and gain new skill sets as an aspiring actor. But it was also the place where I discovered my love for design, specifically costume and set design. This course provided the opportunities to explore and develop my skills as a designer. It opened so many doors which propelled me into the film and TV industry. I have been blessed and lucky enough to have worked on many productions with talented directors crew and cast. I started as a Costume Standby then Assistant Supervisor, Supervisor and now Designer.

What specifically about the course did you particularly enjoy?

There was so many. The acting strand in first year. I gained a lot of confidence in myself learning to go beyond my limitations and abilities to build characters and bring them to life in front of live audiences. The adrenaline, excitement and nerves coming up to a show was something I thrived on. I thoroughly enjoyed Greek theatre and cultural studies. I found them so interesting and informative. My writing skills became well developed through essay writing. Also, Live Art was an amazing experience. It is a space in time where you as a creator get to explore yourself and what drives and moves you. It is then performed as a creation or performance that the artist wants to express it through, be it using the body, light, projection, art, or sculpture and many more. I really loved that there were no real limitations – it is expressive emotional and beautiful experience every single person’s performance and pieces are so different and you can see and feel the passion and induvial emanating through an audience is then invited to view it live for an evening.

Any favorite modules during your time studying?

Costume and set design. Model making. Cultural studies and Acting

Can you share some detail of your career path to date?

I have worked on the TV series The Young Offenders all three seasons as assistant costume supervisor. Breakdown assistant experience on Vikings. I worked on Krypton a TV series in Belfast. Also, numerous films and shorts with many well-known actors – Taylor Shilling, Aiden Quinn, Paul Mescal to name some. I am now in the process of designing the costume on a short in Dublin and collaborating on a bigger budget feature in Wicklow. My work takes me all over Ireland. The industry is thriving here. I would love to work abroad for more of a different experience. I have always wanted to work in Canada as the industry is thriving over there too. I have listed more work here. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-gannon-carr

What does your current role involve?

I oversee the smooth running of the costume department and crew, accounts, buying, fittings sourcing, maintenance and cleaning of costume etc.: Keeping continuity in check making any decisions alongside the designer with regards to costume requirements for cast and director. Organizing the line ups for the following days ahead. On wrap, organizing costume to be stored away for the production for any pickups maybe needed in the future.

What advice would you share with our current students considering a career in your field?

Put the work in, love what you do, explore and find what is right for you. It is hard work so be prepared for long hours, early starts, night shoots and lots of traveling. You get to meet so many people it so interesting and there is never a dull day. But if you love what you do it will not be work at all.

What did you like best about studying at ATU Sligo?

The lecturers were so accommodating and approachable they really wanted to see their students have the best experience and get all they could from the course. They made my journey to getting the best results easier. I have made so many friends and I keep in touch with many of them today. I loved my time at ATU Sligo. It was the best experience to date, it opened so many doors to new opportunities. I have been on a roll ever since. I look forward to what is next.

What advice would you give a first-year student starting in ATU Sligo?

Embrace and enjoy the experience show up for all of it. It is packed full of so much material and tools that will help develop your skill sets going forward on your journey to having a successful career so put the work in, but most of all enjoy it. It has been one of the best decisions and experiences of my life to date.