At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team in costume repairs and makeovers for world-class productions.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a cultural icon in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on stunning performances while fostering creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in craft skills and management within theatre or film.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world‑class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
Our Technical, Production and Costume Department plays a leading part in ensuring our performances are of the highest quality by delivering technical excellence for every performance, rehearsal, and event.
Role Overview
We are now seeking to appoint a Costume Revival Workroom Manager. In this role you will lead staff and manage all activities in the Revival Workroom required for the repair and making of items for revivals, co‑productions, and hired productions, achieving the highest standards to realise the Designers’ creative vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of craftsmen in a high‑standard workroom environment.
- Coordinate repair and make‑over projects for revivals and co‑productions, ensuring design intent is faithfully achieved.
- Maintain workflow efficiency, meeting production schedules and budgetary constraints.
- Develop and implement quality control processes for costume repairs and construction.
- Foster a collaborative workplace that encourages skill development and creative problem‑solving.
Qualifications
- A substantial track record in craft skills workrooms with a major production theatre or venue, or comparable film/TV experience, with management experience.
- Extensive practical making experience and a sympathetic approach to creative concepts, able to interpret and realise them in practical terms.
- Extensive knowledge of modern and traditional methods of construction, period styles, and history of costumes.
- A positive leadership style, with strong relationship management and conflict resolution skills and a proactive approach to communication.
- Consistent performance under pressure and effective troubleshooting and problem‑solving abilities.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under‑represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long‑term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Application Requirements
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies. Closing date for applications: 11:59pm, 1st June 2026.
Costume Revival Workroom Manager in City of Westminster employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and collaboration at our iconic Covent Garden theatre. As a leader in the arts, we provide our employees with unique opportunities for professional growth and skill development, all while fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity and innovation. Join us to be part of a team that not only delivers world-class performances but also inspires imagination and ignites emotion across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costume Revival Workroom Manager in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with fellow creatives. 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 that highlights your best work in costume design and management. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate, so potential employers can see your talent at a glance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its productions. Understand their style and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Costume Revival Workroom Manager in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Craft Skills:Make sure to highlight your extensive practical making experience in your application. We want to see how you interpret and realise creative concepts, so share specific examples of your work that demonstrate your craft skills.
Leadership Matters:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership style. Talk about your experience in fostering a collaborative environment and how you've successfully resolved conflicts in the past.
Be Detail-Oriented:We’re all about quality here at The Royal Ballet and Opera, so emphasise your attention to detail. Discuss any quality control processes you've developed or implemented in previous roles to ensure the highest standards are met.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your craft skills and have a solid understanding of both modern and traditional costume construction methods. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, showcasing how you interpreted and realised creative concepts in practical terms.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your positive leadership style and how you've managed teams in high-pressure environments. Think about times when you fostered collaboration and encouraged skill development among your team members.
✨Understand the Production Process
Familiarise yourself with the workflow of a production theatre, especially regarding costume repairs and revivals. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain efficiency while meeting production schedules and budget constraints.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
Since The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity, be ready to talk about how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace. Share your thoughts on how diverse perspectives can enhance creativity and problem-solving within a team.
