Alex Caddick

Alex Caddick, Artist in Residence, Wonderland Telford

“This course was the most rewarding three years of my life, I learned so much about the industry and how diverse a job in design for performance really can be! It was a perfect combination of all my interests in one course. I've made life long friends with some really talented fellow practitioners; there was a real feel of commaradery rather than competition, as well we all so different in our specialisms. 

After graduating I did a year of freelance work, working for a local charity, The Ironbridge Coracle Trust, who's aim was to bring a light onto the local history of the people in Ironbridge. I've also worked on set design and prop making for a few local theatres. All great skill building projects. 

When the pandemic hit one of my regular freelance jobs, Events Designer at Wonderland Telford, was put on hold. But when I returned in June 2020 I was offered a full time position as Artist in Residence, repairing and repainting all of the props, buildings and figures around the theme park. I'm also still events designer, in which I decorate the park for Christmas, Halloween and Easter. My other roles include the general maintenance of the exhibits and props, as well as costume repairs for our live characters. 

It's a hard manual job, and I work in all seasons, having to adapt my skills all the time. I have learned so much in my time here, and it's so rewarding to see my creative style now dominating the majority of the park. 

For the future I hope to return to freelance work, keeping my role at wonderland whilst working on other projects. I would like to explore the idea of making my own props available for hire or sale.”

Alex Caddick