Deputy head of costume

Deputy head of costume

London Full-Time 28000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the creation of imaginative theatre through costume management and team leadership.
  • Company: Join the Donmar Warehouse, a leading theatre known for bold productions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to work in a creative environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to sustainable theatre and artistic excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in costume departments and strong organizational skills are essential.
  • Other info: Apply early as the listing may close before the deadline.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.

Application deadline: 10am on Tuesday 11 March

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Terms: Permanent, full time

Interview round one: Week beginning 17 March

Interview round two: Week beginning 24 March

Bring stories to life through costume, supporting the creation of bold and imaginative theatre at the Donmar.

We are looking for a Deputy Head of Costume to support the day-to-day delivery and management of all Costume, Wardrobe and Wigs, Hair & Make Up requirements for Donmar productions and related projects to the highest possible standards.

To play a proactive part in the running and operation of the Production Department, the Deputy Head of Costume will also, in conjunction with colleagues within the department, support effective planning and management of departmental and building maintenance across all Donmar premises.

To promote good working practices and uphold the highest professional standards at all times as well as representing the Donmar Warehouse externally within the wider Theatre community.

Knowledge, skills and experience

  • Experience of working in a costume or wardrobe department in a producing theatre and/or extensive experience of mounting new productions as a freelancer.
  • Demonstrable experience of supporting the pre-production process in a leading producing theatre environment.
  • Experience of managing a small team of costume and/or WHAM specialists.
  • Knowledge and experience of using, maintaining sewing machines, overlockers and laundry equipment.
  • Commitment and passion or interest in making sustainable theatre.
  • Ability to work well within a small dedicated team in a positive and collaborative manner.
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to work under pressure and be a creative and resourceful problem solver.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with freelance specialists and suppliers.
  • Experience and understanding of the technical delivery of Wigs, Hair and Make-Up, and a willingness to take on further training in order to support HoC, Designers and Supervisors in the planning, management and delivery of WHAM elements.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Sensitive and responsive to the needs of performers and creative teams.
  • Discretion, tact and diplomacy.
  • Computer literate and experienced with either Microsoft Office or Google Apps Suite.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and experience in specialist areas relevant to the role e.g. dress-making, tailoring, millinery, historical costume or stretch-wear.
  • Strong understanding of costume construction techniques and materials.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Theatre Green Book 2.0.
  • Experience creating, cataloguing or working in a theatre costume store.
  • Basic understanding of Health and Safety legislation related to the theatre industry, in particular COSHH, PUWER, CDM (2015), HSWA (1974).
  • Enthusiasm for and an interest in the Donmar.

The employer reserves the right to close the listing and stop accepting applications sooner than the original deadline. Therefore we strongly recommend applying at the earliest opportunity.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries.

Please state in your application that you found this role through Creative Access.

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Deputy head of costume employer: Hachette UK

At the Donmar Warehouse, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters creativity and collaboration in a vibrant theatre environment. As a Deputy Head of Costume, you will not only contribute to the artistic vision of bold productions but also benefit from a supportive work culture that values professional growth and sustainability. With opportunities for training and development, along with a commitment to inclusivity, the Donmar is dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired.
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Contact Detail:

Hachette UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy head of costume

✨Tip Number 1

Make sure to showcase your experience in costume or wardrobe departments clearly. Highlight any specific productions you've worked on, especially if they were in a producing theatre environment, as this will resonate with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 2

Demonstrate your leadership skills by providing examples of how you've managed a small team in the past. The ability to lead and collaborate effectively is crucial for this role, so share stories that illustrate your teamwork and management style.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarize yourself with the Theatre Green Book 2.0 and be prepared to discuss your commitment to sustainable theatre practices during the interview. This shows that you align with the Donmar's values and are proactive about industry standards.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to talk about your technical skills, especially regarding wigs, hair, and make-up. If you have any relevant training or experience, be sure to mention it, as this will demonstrate your readiness to support the Head of Costume and other creative teams.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy head of costume

Costume Design
Team Management
Sewing Machine Operation
Overlocker Maintenance
Laundry Equipment Knowledge
Pre-Production Process Support
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Creative Problem Solving
Relationship Building
Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Technical Delivery
Strong Verbal Communication
Written Communication Skills
Discretion and Tact
Computer Literacy
Knowledge of Costume Construction Techniques
Understanding of Health and Safety Legislation
Passion for Sustainable Theatre

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Make sure you thoroughly read the job description for the Deputy Head of Costume position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.

Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to emphasize relevant experience in costume or wardrobe departments. Include specific examples of past projects, team management, and any technical skills related to costume construction and maintenance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for theatre and your commitment to sustainable practices. Mention your understanding of the Donmar's values and how you can contribute to their productions.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, be sure to mention your organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, and experience with WHAM elements. Provide examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hachette UK

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous work in costume or wardrobe departments. Highlight specific productions you've worked on and the roles you played in their success.

✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration

Since this role requires working closely with a small team, share examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past projects. Emphasize your ability to maintain positive relationships with colleagues and freelancers.

✨Highlight Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in costume management and how you creatively solved them. This will showcase your resourcefulness and ability to work under pressure.

✨Express Passion for Sustainable Theatre

The Donmar values sustainability, so be ready to talk about your commitment to making sustainable choices in theatre production. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have in this area.

Deputy head of costume
Hachette UK
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  • Deputy head of costume

    London
    Full-Time
    28000 - 40000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-14

  • H

    Hachette UK

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