Costume / Wardrobe Assistant

Summary of the role:

This is a beginner position (but would also be suitable for an experienced costume assistant). You will be primarily assisting with handling wardrobe fittings and supervising actors clothing from scene to scene. Additionally, during pre-production you will work alongside the supervisor in researching costumes, drafting and constructing costumes, making sure every thread matches up with the vision of the costume designer, Costume Supervisor, and, ultimately, the Director.

Your work will not be fixed, it will vary from production to production and is largely dependent on what the costume designer needs. You will be hands-on when it comes to creating, assembling, maintaining, and/or shopping for the clothes that are needed for each show and will be required to spend time seeking the right items, helping actors change into different outfits or making quick alterations between and during shows, as well as ironing, steaming, or fixing wear-and-tear to clothing and accessories.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with wardrobe staff and assist to design and complete costumes.
• Provide assistance in preparing costumes.
• Analyse requirements for actors.
• Administer small changes and corrections in clothes as per production requirement.
• Maintain costumes and accessories and perform regular ironing and cleaning of costumes.
• Ensure quality checks on costumes prior to show and perform necessary alterations.
• Maintain inventory of items and ensure appropriate supply on stage.
• Maintain costume department and manage equipment and clothing.
• Participate in various production meetings and track costume requirements.
• Source necessary costumes (through internet or shopping as necessary).

All Staff

• The post holder must have a good understanding of and adhere to Safeguarding and welfare requirements including being able to fully apply the Safeguarding and welfare rules when supporting students.
• The postholder must adhere to the staff Code of Conduct.
• The postholder must carry out their responsibilities with due regard to all ArtsEd policies and procedures, ensuring inclusivity, equal opportunities, and compliance with Health and Safety in the workplace.
• The postholder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means in line with the Data Protection Act.
• The postholder is required to regularly undertake Safeguarding, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Prevent, and GDPR training and to maintain their own professionalism and job-related knowledge through ongoing CPD.
• The postholder be professional, co-operative, and flexible in line with the needs of the post and the school.
• All Job Descriptions are reviewed annually and will change to reflect the needs of the School and the post.
• ArtsEd is committed to the safety, wellbeing and safeguarding of all pupils and students and expects all staff to share this commitment. Staff in all posts are required to hold a clear, enhanced DBS.
• The postholder is required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.