Wardrobe Assistant – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

We are looking for Wardrobe Assistants for our upcoming immersive reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As a key team member supporting the Wardrobe Manager, you will work proactively toward establishing a first-class Wardrobe Department on the Production. Dates: Monday 12 May – Wednesday 3 September 2025.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In consultation with the Wardrobe Manager, you will work to daily and weekly deadlines, helping to prepare the costumes and maintain the costumes for each performance.
• Assisting in actioning the working jobs list as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Maintaining the costumes to an excellent working standard including levels of care and cleanliness. This will include machine and hand sewing to a very high standard, as well as laundry.
• You should expect to act on emergency repairs and provide effective, efficient problem solving during the performance. You should keep the Wardrobe Manager informed regarding any issues that arise.
• You should expect to communicate clearly and promptly with other team members, the Wardrobe Manager and Stage Management, as appropriate, should wider issues arise especially during the half and performance. You should expect to swiftly respond to such situations whilst maintaining a calm demeanour and making sure the usual tasks are disrupted as little as possible.
• You will participate in maintaining the integrity of the design after Press Night.
• You will be asked to assist with sourcing/buying/ delivering/ collecting items related to the show. A budget is held by the Wardrobe Manager, and you will keep good record and VAT receipts of any expenditure.
• You are expected to become familiar with the costumes and be prepared to alert the Wardrobe Manager of any damage or wear & tear, or issues for resolution.
• In conjunction with the Wardrobe Manage and Deputy Wardrobe Manager, you will participate in supporting Dressers. This includes regular, informal checks- ins with Dressers as well as striving towards consistent high standards.
• In the event of there being Understudies for the show, it is expected that you will support in the processing and management of Understudy Costume as provided by the Costume Supervisor.
• In the event of Understudies going onstage in performance or for an Understudy run, it is expected that you will participate in providing support and cover, which includes being familiar with Understudy costumes and overall plot variations that will occur.
• Expect the unexpected – which could include an actor being late or ill, lines skipped during a performance: you should work efficiently to accommodate these events wherever possible.
• A key aspect of this role is to establish and maintain a good working atmosphere and encourage a positive professional attitude, setting a good example in your relationships and excellent communication with the wardrobe team, the cast, other company members and core building staff.

Full list of duties available in Job Description.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in professional theatre wardrobe (or opera/dance equivalent) either in building-based or freelance roles
• A keen eye for detail in costume
• Practical sewing skills to a high level
• Ability to work in a focused and organised manner
• Excellent communication skills
• A positive and solution-oriented attitude
• Ability to work well within a team, in a fast-paced environment
• Confident in taking initiative and working independently
• Calm under pressure and resilient in meeting new challenges
• Discretion and a respect for confidentiality.
• Punctual and reliable
• Proven skills working with a wide variety of company members

 

21/03/2025

Fixed Term, Full Time