Description
Join our production team as Deputy Head of Wardrobe and bring your costume creativity to life on stage! If you’re passionate about costume making and are eager to take on a leadership position within a fun and creative environment, this is an exciting opportunity for you.
Job Purpose: To act as the principal cutter and maker for the department, and deputising for the Head of Wardrobe.
Key Task Areas:
- To cut and make costumes for R&D's productions, and other projects in which the theatre have an interest.
- This includes but is not limited to:
- Making pattern blocks for costumes/costume elements and costume props
- Pattern cutting to design requirements or draping on stand
- Preparing fabrics for use including dying/painting/breaking down
- To assist in the procuring of materials for all elements of required costume making
- To otherwise source costumes and fabric by purchasing or hiring
- To make or obtain accessories
- To alter, adapt or repair stock costumes accurately and sympathetically as required using personal and creative skills finding solutions to problems and employing different construction techniques and identifying any construction issues when they arise
- To work alongside designers, the Head of Wardrobe and the Production Manager to ensure that all costumes come as close as possible to the designs and to the highest possible standard
- To act as Costume Supervisor for our smaller in-house productions if required
- To maintain costumes (including washing/ironing), shoes, accessories, tools and working areas to the highest standards
- To work with incoming production staff, as required
- To measure actors and undertaking fittings as required
- To assist in any returns of costume elements as and when necessary
- To assist the Head of Wardrobe in efficient and effective management and administration of the department, supervising any permanent and/or freelance staff, and undertake duties as required in their absence.
- To maintain stock costumes and shoes to the highest standard
- To play a vital part in the setting up, running of and maintenance during our in house produced productions
Additional Information
This post will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check with the Criminal Records Bureau.
For the full job description, please see our website.
Essential Experience:
- A diverse range of textile handling, pattern drafting, cutting and making
- A minimum of 2 years experience of theatre costuming ideally within a producing theatre
- Wardrobe department scheduling
- Material sourcing
Essential Knowledge/Qualifications:
- A good working knowledge of relevant costume making tools and machinery
- Theatre costume cutting and making skills to a high standard
- A recognised qualification in pattern drafting/making
Essential Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with relevant production and creative staff
- Able to deputise for the Head of Department in their absence
- Able to plan workload effectively and creatively with the ability to work to strict deadlines
- Able to work as part of a team with excellent interpersonal skills
- Initiative to work alone with minimum supervision
- Positive and flexible approach to problem solving with attention to detail
- Computer literate
- Flexibility with working hours t