At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and alter stunning costumes for exciting productions with a talented team.
- Company: Welsh National Opera, a vibrant and inclusive arts organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, discounts, and support for Welsh language learning.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment where your skills can shine and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in costume making and a passion for the performing arts.
The predicted salary is between 26387 - 26387 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
- Job details
- Contractual hours 37.5
- Basis Full time
Package Monthly Skills Allowance £284.31Cardiff Bay Discounts Staff Parking Discount with Q Park Healthcare Cash Plan Salary Extras Gym Discounts Employee Assistant Programme Welsh lessons
Reporting to: Head of Costume
The Role Purpose
To construct and alter costumes with advice from the Cutter for all productions produced by Welsh National Opera from main house through to and including the Youth Opera and other projects such as Play Opera.
- Key Accountabilities
- Role Specifics
- Constructing complete costumes on own initiative, with advice from a Cutter and Head of Costume.
- Alterations to costumes for revivals, etc.
- Attending fittings to assist the Cutter and Head of Costume by taking notes on technical terms to pass on to the Costume Makers.
- Helping with pins, scissors, etc. Occasionally conducting fittings in the absence of a cutter or Head of Costume.
- Attending stage rehearsals if required by the Head of Costume.
- Occasionally attending fittings away from home base.
- Ensuring general tidiness of own sewing machine and workspace.
- Overseeing the work of the costume makers and assisting the Cutters in ensuring work is carried out in an efficient and economic manner.
- Giving advice and instruction on construction techniques to the Costume Makers as required.
- General
- To cooperate with us in complying with relevant health and safety legislation, policies and procedures in the performance of the post.
- To behave in accordance with our values.
- To maintain confidentiality and observe data protection and associated guidelines where appropriate.
- Always comply with our policies and procedures.
The duties in this job description are not exhaustive and may be altered at any time to reflect the changing needs of the organisation.
Person Specification: Senior Costume Maker
- Highly experienced in working with both period and modern costumes.
- Significant experience of making costumes in a professional workroom.
- The ability to demonstrate Key Skills such as communication, application of numbers and IT skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines, to a high standard and ensuring attention to detail.
- Flexible, hardworking and organised.
- Positive and constructive attitude.
- Knowledge of dressing performers.
- Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
- Welsh language speaker/writer
- Understanding of GDPR legislation
Points marked with an asterisk (*) are desirable rather than essential.
- Terms & Conditions
- Salary Package: £26,387.00 plus a monthly skills allowance of £284.31 agreed until end of April 2027 (then reviewable).
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 07 st September 2026 to 06 th September 2027.
- Hours of work: 37.5 per week
- Notice Period: 1 week in probation rising to 1month post probation
- Probationary Period: 6 month
- Base Location: Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL (Touring Required) i. e. based in Cardiff plus UK Touring
- 33 days annual leave days per annum (inclusive of 8 Welsh bank holidays), rising to 36 days after 5 years’ service
- Enhanced family leave policies
- Staff are provided with group life insurance cover equal to 3x their annual salary.
- Discounted parking at Q Park carpark in Cardiff Bay.
- Discounts in selected outlets in Cardiff Bay.
- We support colleagues who wish to learn or develop their Welsh language skills and offer optional Welsh lessons at both basic and improver levels.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Free, confidential counselling and advice for staff, freelancers, contractors, and their families.
- Pension scheme available after three months of employment (4% employer contribution / 4% employee contribution).
- Reasonable Adjustments
WNO is committed to running an inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
If you require adjustments at any stage of your application or interview, we encourage you to let us know.
We consider all reasonable adjustment requests individually and will work with you to provide appropriate support wherever practicable.
To discuss adjustments, please contact recruitment@wno. org. uk.
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Senior Costume Maker in Cardiff employer: Opera Europa
Welsh National Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Cardiff Bay. With generous benefits including a monthly skills allowance, extensive annual leave, and support for Welsh language development, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally. The commitment to inclusivity and employee well-being, alongside opportunities to work on diverse productions, makes this a truly rewarding place to advance your career in costume making.
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