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Summary
The Deputy Head of Wardrobe plays a key role within the Wardrobe Department, supporting the Head of Wardrobe in delivering high-quality costumes for all Wiltshire Creative productions and projects.
More Details
This is a hands-on, practical role with a strong emphasis on costume making, alteration, and maintenance. The Deputy assists in all areas of production wardrobe work, supervises casuals and dressers as needed, and ensures smooth day-to-day operation of the department.
The postholder will deputise for the Head of Wardrobe in their absence, taking on management, budgeting, and departmental coordination as required.
Key Responsibilities
Costume Construction & Realisation
* Cut, make, alter and repair costumes to professional standards, following designer specifications
* Assist with fittings, ensuring costumes meet both artistic and practical requirements
* Source, purchase or hire costume elements as directed
* Maintain an excellent standard of costume finish, fit, and presentation
* Provide practical support to freelance makers, ensuring continuity of quality and communication between team members
* Support quick changes and dressing during technical rehearsals and performances when required
Department Support & Deputising
* Support the Head of Wardrobe in planning and delivering all wardrobe activity across productions, co-productions and visiting work
* Supervise casual staff, dressers and volunteers
* Deputise for the Head of Wardrobe in their absence - including leading the team, attending production meetings, and liaising with designers, production staff and stage management
* Assist with maintaining departmental budgets and records, submitting timesheets and purchase orders as required
* Contribute to maintaining and improving systems for costume tracking, laundry schedules, and departmental documentation
Laundry, Maintenance & Stock Management
* Support Laundry when required, ironing, and costume care
* Carry out or coordinate costume repairs, alterations, and replacements throughout a production's run
* Assist in maintaining wardrobe facilities, laundry equipment
* Support the workspace organisation and contribute to the storage and cataloguing of costume stock, ensuring items are returned, repaired, and stored properly
* Assist with processing costume hires and returns
Health & Safety
* Follow all Health & Safety policies and ensure safe use of machinery, tools, and cleaning products
* Report faults, hazards or maintenance issues to the Head of Wardrobe or Technical Manager promptly
* Contribute to risk assessments and COSHH process when required
General
* To always act in the best interests of Wiltshire Creative
* To take positive action to promote Equal Opportunities in all aspects of the work of Wiltshire Creative
* To agree to abide by Wiltshire Creative's policies, as set out in the Staff Handbook
* To maintain confidentiality in all areas relating to Wiltshire Creative
* Contribute positively to a collaborative and creative working environment.
* Support sustainability initiatives through environmentally responsible wardrobe practices.
* Work in line with Theatre Green Book standards, supporting Wiltshire Creative's environmental sustainability goals through responsible sourcing, reuse, and waste reduction.
* To maximise income and minimise expenditure wherever possible
* To be flexible and to undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by Management
About You
Skills
* Strong garment construction, pattern cutting, and alteration skills
* Competence in laundry processes, pressing, and basic fabric care
* Basic knowledge of wig, hair, or make-up maintenance
Experience
* Proven experience in a wardrobe or costume department roles.
* Qualification in Costume, Fashion, or Theatre Production (or equivalent experience).
* Familiarity with budget tracking and simple administrative systems including IT.
* Basic understanding of Health & Safety and risk assessment procedures.
Attributes
* Calm, adaptable and supportive under pressure
* Strong interpersonal skills, empathy and discretion
* A collaborative, self-motivated, organised worker
* A proactive communicator with a strong sense of responsibility and teamwork
* Passionate about costume and theatre production
* Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
* Flexible availability including some evenings and weekends
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