Do you have experience of leading and supervising costume teams in theatre and freelance settings? Are you an expert in pattern drafting and cutting within women's costume? Can you work across a broad range of period costume? Do you have excellent knowledge of garment construction, alteration and refurbishment?
We are looking for an experienced Head Cutter to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, in our purpose built, state of the art Costume Workshops, in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.
This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of a unique and specialist team, where costumes for all RSC shows are produced. You would be working in conjunction with the designers to realise their ideas from concept to stage.
Reporting to the Head of Costume, some of your duties and responsibilities will include (please see the Role Profile for a comprehensive list):
* Planning workload, collaborating with the second Head Cutter ensuring work is assigned effectively across both workrooms
* Overseeing the creative and alternation of costumes for traditionally gendered costume categories
* Interpreting designs, cut and grade patterns and supervising the production of costumes from concept to stage
* Leading a team of costume makers through all stages of production
* Working with Designers, Production Managers and senior Costume colleagues ensuring work meets production schedules
* Attending production meetings, rehearsals, and fittings to uphold standards of artistic quality, ensuring all health, safety and welfare issues are dealt with.
To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have the following knowledge and experience:
* BTEC, HND, or degree in Theatre Costume, or equivalent professional experience.
* Expertise in pattern drafting and cutting, ideally with a stronger focus in one traditionally gendered costume area
* Extensive knowledge of costume terminology and construction techniques
* Demonstrable experience in managing, leading, supervising and coaching a team
* Advanced proficiency in safely operating and maintaining workshop machinery.
The working hours are annually averaged at 44 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, with some Saturdays.
Application Process
All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email jobs@rsc.org.uk
The interviews will be in-person, in Stratford-upon-Avon towards the end of February or early March.
About the RSC
The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability.
We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.
We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.
We believe that safeguarding children and adults is everyone's responsibility, and everybody working at the RSC has a duty to place safeguarding at the heart of their work. We welcome candidates who will support and advocate the RSC's environmental objectives continuing to improve our sustainability work and actions both on and off stage.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.