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- Tasks: Assist in creating stunning set and costume designs for a theatre production.
- Company: Join the Donmar Warehouse, a leader in inclusive theatre.
- Benefits: Earn £135/day, gain mentorship, and access professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and travel bursaries available for candidates outside London.
- Why this job: Kickstart your creative career while making theatre more inclusive.
- Qualifications: Experience in set or costume design and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 3375 - 4500 £ per month.
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Set & Costume Designer, Leslie Travers and Head of Inclusion and Skills, Stacey Carr
Compensation: £135 / day
Description: Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.
About the role: As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early-career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Designer to realise the set and costume design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high‑level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.
About the Production: For this production, much of the set design will be complete and you will be given context and creative insight into the design journey, as well as have a hand in bringing the elements to life. The costume design will evolve and develop as characters are defined. Ideally, candidates will have familiarity with this design process. We are open to candidates who have established a Set and Costume design focus, and also welcome Set Designers with a strong interest in Costume and Costume Designers with a strong interest in Set.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend and take notes at rehearsals and production meetings
- Attend meetings at the workshop and other offsite locations
- Assist with sourcing costumes and costume fittings
- Collaborate with stage management team and Props Supervisor
- Attend technical rehearsals and previews, assisting as necessary
- Serve as a proactive member of the team, willing to fill any gaps that arise
Terms and Dates: Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25-30 days between 13 July-2 September 2026 at £135 per day (+1.5 day rate during tech)
Availability: 1-3 Days Introductory Work/Onboarding: Week commencing 29 June and/or 6 July 2026
Rehearsals Commence: 13 July 2026
Fit Up/Tech Week: 17-22 August 2026
Previews: 22-28 August 2026
Press Night: 2 September 2026
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Set & Costume Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London.
How to apply: To apply, you will need to submit an up to date portfolio, CV and complete the online form via this Careers Page. Please click the Apply Now button on the top right.
Person Specification - Essential Criteria:
- Experience as a lead Set & Costume, Set or Costume designer (or equivalent experience as a Costume Supervisor) on at least 4 fringe level productions (Higher Education productions not included)
- Experience of working with professional creative teams
- Experience of working with professional technical and stage management teams
- Able to demonstrate and articulate a clear artistic vision and reason for pursuing the opportunity and why this is a crucial next step for their creative practice and career
- At least one element of your identity or an intersection of identities that is currently underrepresented in creative roles in the theatre industry (Global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background)
What You Will Receive:
- Access to mentorship from a leading practitioner in the development of a large scale, ambitious production
- Mentoring support from the Head of Inclusion and Skills and the Resident Assistant Director
- Company-wide investment in your professional development where we encourage you to connect with the wider Donmar community as much as possible to gain insight into the sector at large
- A 1‑hour mentoring session with a leading theatre maker post‑contract
- Access to a vibrant and active Donmar trainee alumni community of emerging directors and designers which includes post‑contract invites to networking mixers and Donmar productions, ongoing coaching and mentorship as needed, as well as other learning and professional development opportunities from our sector partners and beyond
CATALYST | Assistant Set & Costume Designer - A Month in the Country employer: DONMAR WAREHOUSE
Contact Detail:
DONMAR WAREHOUSE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CATALYST | Assistant Set & Costume Designer - A Month in the Country
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, workshops, and even casual meet-ups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role. Plus, it’s a great way to learn from others in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing. We want to see your artistic voice shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see an opportunity, don’t wait for it to come to you. Reach out to companies or individuals you admire and express your interest in collaborating. You never know what might come of it!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in being part of our community at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace CATALYST | Assistant Set & Costume Designer - A Month in the Country
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio: Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Make sure it’s up-to-date and showcases your best work. We want to see your creativity and how you’ve tackled previous projects, so include a variety of pieces that highlight your skills in set and costume design.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience for this role. We’re looking for specific skills and experiences, so make sure to emphasise those that align with what we’re after at CATALYST.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be genuine and articulate your artistic vision clearly. Let us know how this opportunity fits into your career path and why it’s important for you.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our Careers Page by clicking the 'Apply Now' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at DONMAR WAREHOUSE
✨Know Your Design Process
Familiarise yourself with the set and costume design process, especially how it evolves during a production. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to this role, showcasing your understanding of both set and costume elements.
✨Showcase Your Artistic Vision
Articulate your artistic vision clearly during the interview. Explain why this opportunity is crucial for your career and how your unique identity contributes to your perspective as a designer. This will help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with the Donmar's values.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the production and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is right for you. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your proactive nature.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Highlight your teamwork skills and readiness to fill any gaps that arise during the production process. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with stage management or creative teams in the past, as this role requires a strong collaborative spirit.