At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and alter costumes for theatre productions while collaborating with a talented team.
- Company: Join the iconic National Theatre's Production Costume team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a creative environment with a focus on teamwork.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on diverse projects and develop your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Be part of the magic behind the scenes and bring characters to life through costume design.
- Qualifications: Experience in costume making or fashion, with strong sewing skills and knowledge of fabrics.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are looking for a Costume Maker - Tailoring to join the National Theatre's Production Costume team on a 12‑Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) contract. The purpose of this role is to provide costume making, sewing and alterations support as part of the costume workroom team comprising of six permanent team members:
- Costume Workroom Supervisor/ Head Cutter Women’s
- Deputy Cutter Menswear
- Deputy Cutter Womenswear
- Costume Maker Menswear
- Costume Maker Womenswear
The role directly supports the Head and deputy tailors within the Costume Production Workroom who cut and make costumes and accessories for shows in production for our three theatres, tours and transfers. During busy periods such as Tech week and previews, the whole team are expected to work on notes as needed regardless of the costumes gender. All members of the costume workroom and wider costume production department are encouraged to participate in the wider building and in being part of an effective team, practicing good people and communication skills, representing the Royal National Theatre and Costume Department to visiting artists and encouraging good relations with other Royal National Theatre colleagues.
The role is vital in assisting the team and in supervising costume makers, FTCs and work placement students as and when appropriate. The role means multi‑tasking and working quickly and diligently across many different projects – a large volume of which involves campaign roll‑out work.
The successful candidates will have the following:
- BA/City and Guilds or equivalent strong experience in Costume Making/Fashion.
- Substantial experience of costume making in theatre, TV or equivalent.
- Able to carry out delegated projects with minimum amount of supervision plus able to take instruction from senior members of the team.
- Excellent accurate hand and machine sewing skills, including knowledge of different sewing machines and basic machine maintenance.
- Sound knowledge of period costume, familiarity with sewing terminology & good knowledge of fabrics.
We would love to hear from you!
To apply, please follow: https://jobs.nationaltheatre.org.uk/job/costumer-maker-tailoring-maternity-cover-5901559
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Friday 22nd May 2026 at 12 noon.
Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover) employer: National Theatre
The National Theatre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and teamwork within the Costume Production team. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, working alongside experienced tailors in a dynamic environment that values communication and artistic expression. Located in the heart of London, the National Theatre provides a unique chance to contribute to world-class productions while being part of a supportive community dedicated to the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow costume makers, attend industry events, and connect with people on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best costume work. Include photos of your projects, sketches, and any behind-the-scenes shots that highlight your process. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can do.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the National Theatre, and express your interest in working with them. A friendly email can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in costume making and your passion for theatre. We want to see your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Costume Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your costume making and sewing skills in your application. We want to see your experience shine through, so don’t hold back on showcasing any relevant projects or roles you've had in theatre or TV.
Tailor Your Application:Just like you would tailor a costume, tailor your application to fit the role! Use the job description as a guide and make sure to align your experiences with what we’re looking for in a Costume Maker.
Be Personable:We value good communication and teamwork, so let your personality come through in your written application. Share a bit about how you work with others and your approach to collaboration in a busy costume workroom.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Theatre
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your costume making skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with different fabrics, sewing techniques, and any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just passionate about the role but also knowledgeable.
✨Show Team Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to talk about your experiences in collaborative environments. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team project or supported colleagues, especially during busy periods like tech weeks.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the production process or the costume workroom team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can fit into their existing team dynamics.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your ability to multi-task and adapt to different projects. Discuss any experiences where you had to switch gears quickly or manage multiple deadlines, as this is crucial for the fast-paced environment of theatre production.
