Overview
As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.
Job Summary
This is a part time, temporary position over two terms from September 2026 to May 2027, 32 working weeks in total, 14.4 hours per week. The salary is £9,977.90 for the duration of the contract.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Costume Technician to join our Creative Arts team and play a key role in supporting our vibrant programme of theatre productions, showcases, and creative projects.
The successful candidate will provide practical and technical support across the Creative Arts courses, with a particular focus on final-year productions and public performances. Working closely with students, academic staff, and industry professionals, you will help bring creative visions to life while supporting the development of the next generation of theatre makers.
A key aspect of the role will involve collaborating with Creative Production students, guiding and supporting their contributions to productions and project work across the department. You will also work alongside our experienced technical team to maintain and develop the costume and design room as a welcoming, well‑organised environment that functions both as a teaching space and a fully operational workshop during production periods.
Beyond costume‑making and wardrobe support, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with the wider design process across a production. Working closely with directors and creative teams, you will contribute to the development and realisation of artistic concepts, helping to shape productions from initial design discussions through to performance. This may include exploring costume, set, and visual design elements, allowing you to play an integral role in bringing a director's vision to life on stage.
Responsibilities will include maintaining costume stock, managing inventories, and ensuring all equipment and facilities are kept to professional industry standards. You will have the opportunity to work with award‑winning directors and creative practitioners, helping to realise ambitious productions in the fully equipped St Mary's Theatre.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a small, highly experienced technical team with strong links across the theatre and live events industries. The role is particularly suited to experienced professionals who wish to continue their freelance practice while enjoying the benefits of regular employment. The position is contracted for two semesters each academic year (approximately 32 weeks), from September through to May, offering an excellent balance between project‑based professional work and a rewarding educational environment.
Whether your background is in costume, theatre design, production arts, or live events, this role offers the opportunity to broaden your creative practice, collaborate on a diverse range of productions, and make a lasting impact on both the student experience and the department's artistic life.
Candidate Summary
We are looking for a collaborative, resourceful, and creative individual who thrives in a dynamic production environment. The successful candidate will be able to work effectively within budget constraints, making the most of available resources while maintaining high artistic and professional standards.
Ideally, applicants will have professional experience within the theatre, performing arts, or live events industries, alongside experience working with undergraduate students and young adults in an educational or training environment. A passion for supporting emerging talent and helping students develop their creative and technical skills is essential.
This role would particularly suit someone with experience across multiple areas of theatre design and production. In addition to strong costume‑making and wardrobe skills, we are looking for a candidate who can collaborate with directors, visiting lecturers, and creative teams to help realise artistic concepts from initial ideas through to performance. An understanding of the wider design process—including costume, set, and visual storytelling—would be highly advantageous.
We welcome applicants who are imaginative problem‑solvers, confident communicators, and enthusiastic team players. The ability to balance practical delivery with creative thinking is key, as is a willingness to contribute ideas and work collaboratively across disciplines.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment and are particularly interested in candidates who have experience creating diverse, welcoming, and accessible creative spaces where all learners can thrive and feel empowered to contribute.
Application Details
St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. Please view our detailed access guide by following the link: St. Mary's University | AccessAble.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases. Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK.
Closing Date
15th July 2026 at 23:00. Candidates are advised to submit applications early to avoid disappointment as we reserve the right to close vacancies prior to the advertised closing date.
Interview Date
22nd July 2026
Contact Details:
St Mary’s University, Twickenham Recruitment Team
