At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative team in costume repairs and making for world-class productions.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a cultural icon in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture, with a commitment to equality and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Be part of a legacy that inspires creativity and excellence in performing arts.
- Qualifications: Experience in craft skills and management within a major production environment.
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.
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 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. 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. 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. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having something tangible to show can really set you apart from the crowd.
✨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. This shows you're genuinely interested and invested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at The Royal Ballet and Opera. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Costume Revival Workroom Manager
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 positive leadership style. Talk about your experience in fostering collaboration and resolving conflicts, as we value strong relationship management.
Be Detail-Oriented:Pay attention to the details in your application. We’re looking for someone who can maintain workflow efficiency and meet production schedules, so make sure to mention any relevant experiences that reflect your ability to manage projects effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of costume construction techniques and styles. Be ready to discuss your practical experience and how it aligns with the role's requirements. Show them you can interpret and realise creative concepts effectively!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your positive leadership style and how you've fostered collaboration and skill development among your team members.
✨Understand the Production Process
Familiarise yourself with the workflow of a costume workroom, especially regarding repair and make-over projects. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain efficiency while meeting production schedules and budget constraints.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Since the Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity, think about how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace. Share your thoughts on fostering a collaborative environment and how you can support colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
