About the Role
Join our production team as Deputy Head of Wardrobe and bring you 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 Opportunity
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 Skills
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 to suit business needs
Desirable Experience:
* Budget control
* Supervising a team
Desirable Knowledge/Qualifications:
* Driving license
Desirable Skills/Abilities:
* Understanding of wigs, hair and makeup
* Millinery
How To Apply
Please submit a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) stating your relevant experience, knowledge, and skills for this role along with your CV.
Closing Date: Fri 11th July
Interviews: Mon 14th July
DE&I
We are an inclusive organisation, committed to fair recruitment, and equality of opportunity. We particularly welcome applications from those whose backgrounds are currently under-represented in our workforce and in the Arts more widely. We want to encourage socio-economic diversity, as well as representation from ethnically diverse groups, people who identify as D/deaf and disabled and/or those who identify as LGBTQ+. Candidates needing any assistance to complete their application should email dayna.preston@namtrust.co.uk. If there is anything about this recruitment process or the way we have promoted these opportunities that has created any barriers to you applying, please let us know.
We welcome requests for flexible working/job share/remote working. Royal & Derngate are a PIPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner, striving towards creating a more family friendly working environment. We encourage proposals from anyone who requires flexible working around caring responsibilities and anyone looking for a positive work/life balance.
We are a user of the disability confident scheme, and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for any of our vacancies.
Benefits
Employee Assistance Programme - Free employee assistance programme run by Health Assured provides counselling, family advice, medical information, legal advice, financial and debt information, life and leadership coaching, and an online health and wellbeing portal.
Bar & Shop Discount - 10% discount on products purchased at our bars and theatre shop
Complimentary tickets available on selected shows:
* Produced productions – All colleagues will receive two tickets to the press night of all Made In Northampton productions where available. Additional comps will be available for any performance during the run (subject to availability).
* Presented productions – Comps may be available for those productions that have not achieved sales of 80% of capacity on each individual performance, subject to contract arrangements and sales patterns.
* Films – Comps will be made available to colleagues for films at Northampton Film house where availability allows. A weekly email will be sent out to all colleagues providing a list of eligible film screenings. The £1.00 booking fee will apply.
Family Friendly Policies - Enhanced leave and pay for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, Dependants, Careers, Annual Leave and Sickness