Head of Wardrobe/Costume Designer, Eton College
The Head of Wardrobe/Costume Designer works alongside the team of theatre professionals to provide at least ten fully costumed productions within the academic year as part of a fully programmed season. The role works especially closely with our Designer(s) on each production to collaboratively realise the costume design and oversees the make‑up and wigs for each production, briefing freelance make‑up and wig artists where necessary.
Main Duties
* Consult with directors and oversee all costume and make‑up for the theatre;
* Work in collaboration with the Designer and Scenic Artists on the costume design for each production;
* Read plays and design costume, wig and make‑up plots;
* Liaise with freelance artists for make‑up and wig support where necessary;
* Plan, organise, and lead the student‑led wardrobe and make‑up team for productions;
* Ensure the historical and contextual accuracy of costumes, make‑up and wigs for each production;
* Arrange for students to be measured and fitted for costumes and hair pieces;
* Select costumes from stock;
* Make new costumes as required and undertake costume alterations as necessary;
* Purchase/hire appropriate costumes, make‑up and wigs and accessories for productions and stock;
* Develop a strategy to list, maintain and assess the theatre’s stock of costumes, make‑up and wigs;
* Attend technical and dress rehearsals when required and make final adjustments for costumes, make‑up and wigs;
* Make up cast before shows when required;
* Effectively manage students in wardrobe, dressing rooms and make‑up room;
* Keep a high standard of housekeeping within wardrobe and make‑up;
* Check returned costumes from all productions;
* Sort and clear up costumes, make‑up and wigs after shows;
* Wash, iron, repair and rehang costumes;
* Ensure the wardrobe/make‑up department delivers to deadline and on budget in all projects;
* Work closely with the Designer and Scenic Artist, and Assistant Designer on a day‑to‑day basis;
* Manage the departmental budget;
* Ensure that all College health and safety and security procedures are observed;
* Travel to/visit external costume hire establishments to choose costumes and make‑up for productions;
* Operate within the constructional, budgetary and health and safety constraints of the theatre as set by Director of Drama and/or Head of Production;
* Manage relationships with suppliers ensuring best value procurement and strict delivery schedules;
* Develop and expand the student wardrobe & make‑up department in consultation with the Director of Drama/Head of Production;
* Support the Head of Theatre Studies in a non‑teaching capacity in the delivery of the academic programme;
* Offer pastoral support for any student teams you work with;
* Provide opportunities for students to upskill in wardrobe, wigs and make‑up.
Employee Expectations
Safeguarding
* Develop a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’;
* Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including completing safeguarding training as required and complying with all safeguarding procedures.
Health & Safety
* Maintain the highest levels of health and safety standards, and act as a role model for the students in matters of safety;
* Keep abreast of current Health and Safety legislation;
* Take responsibility for the safe disposal of all waste generated by the costume & make‑up areas.
Working Pattern
Term‑time only, with an average of 48 hours per week. Core hours 9 am–6:30 pm Monday‑Friday (excluding an hour unpaid lunch). Remaining 5.5 hours each week worked during evenings and weekends or by mutual agreement to complete preparatory work from home. Additional work may be required on Saturdays, Sundays and during holidays as per production schedule. The role offers 5.6 weeks paid holiday, to be taken during non‑term periods (excluding the three days before the start of each term).
The Ideal Candidate
* Relevant hands‑on professional theatre experience in a wardrobe department with a creative and stimulating approach to costume design;
* Proficient sewing/alteration skills for making/altering costumes;
* Working knowledge of sewing machines, over‑lockers and laundry equipment;
* Ability to produce and update costume tracks for productions where required;
* Relevant dressing experience;
* Good IT skills including e‑mail, Word and Microsoft Excel.
Additional Qualities
* Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills;
* Good written communication skills;
* Strong planning and organisational skills;
* Excellent time‑management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines;
* Creativity and resourcefulness in problem solving;
* Ability to work alongside and motivate students;
* Commitment to continued professional development;
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently;
* Imaginative, enthusiastic and adaptable approach with high levels of efficiency.
Benefits
Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity/Paternity scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.
About The College
We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio‑economic background.
Disclosure Checks
Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. Successful applicants will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. All disclosed information will be handled in accordance with guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.
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