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 London 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. We prioritise employee growth through skill development opportunities and foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, ensuring every team member can thrive while contributing to world-class performances. Join us to be part of a legacy that inspires imagination and ignites emotion across the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Costume Revival Workroom Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Ballet and Opera! Dive into their productions, understand their style, and be ready to chat about how your experience aligns with their creative vision. This shows you’re genuinely interested and not just another applicant.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or join relevant groups. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to costume management and leadership. Think about specific examples from your past that showcase your skills in problem-solving and team management.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Royal Ballet and Opera.
We think you need these skills to ace Costume Revival Workroom Manager in London
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 high standards in costume repairs and construction.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. 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 designers' visions in practical terms.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams in high-pressure environments. Think about times when you fostered collaboration or resolved conflicts effectively, as these are key qualities for the role.
✨Understand the Production Process
Familiarise yourself with the workflow of a production theatre, particularly how costume repairs and make-overs fit into the overall schedule. Being able to discuss how you maintain efficiency while meeting budgetary constraints will impress the interviewers.
✨Embrace Diversity and Inclusion
The Royal Ballet and Opera values diversity, so be prepared to talk about how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace. Share any experiences you have that demonstrate your commitment to equality and how you’ve supported diverse teams in the past.
