Dresser and Wardrobe Maintenance Assistant

Forming a key part of our Technical Department, the Wardrobe team delivers a high standard of professional costume support across productions on both The Lyric and The Drum stages. The team takes pride in maintaining excellence across all performances, ensuring costumes are performance‑ready and supporting the smooth running of every show. The role of a Dresser is fast‑paced and rewarding.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting performers with quick costume changes side of stage, often under pressure and in low‑light environments.
• Pre‑setting, tracking and maintaining costumes throughout performances.
• Laundering, sorting, ironing and steaming costumes in preparation for performances.
• Using industrial laundry and steaming equipment.

No formal qualifications are required; however, previous professional experience as a Dresser or within wardrobe maintenance/laundry is desirable. Successful candidates must be available to work full show calls, typically across full production weeks, including technical rehearsals and matinee performances. Dressing calls will generally include Thursday and Saturday matinees. These roles are offered on an ad hoc/casual basis, with work dependent on the requirements of each production. Full in‑house training will be provided. Candidates must be available to attend an induction on 26 June, after which shifts and work opportunities will be allocated accordingly.

This is a casual position within the Wardrobe department as a Dresser and Wardrobe Maintenance Assistant, forming part of the wider Technical team at Theatre Royal Plymouth. The role plays an important part in supporting the delivery of high‑quality productions and ensuring a smooth backstage experience for performers, creatives and audiences alike.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Support performers in a professional and reassuring manner during costume changes, often in fast‑paced backstage environments.
• Pre‑set and re‑set costumes, including the collection, preparation and distribution of costumes for technical rehearsals, evening performances and matinees.
• Carry out wardrobe maintenance duties including hand and machine washing costumes and pressing and steaming garments to a high standard within tight timescales.
• Remain calm under pressure, work collaboratively within a large backstage team and demonstrate initiative and quick thinking during live performances.
• Undertake temporary costume repairs where required to support the smooth running of performances.
• Follow detailed dressing plots and assist with creating or updating written dressing plots during technical rehearsal periods.
• Support the smooth running of productions and associated backstage activity, including occasional loading and unloading of wardrobe equipment, costume rails, wigs equipment and other related items.
• Attend rehearsals, training sessions, departmental meetings and other associated meetings as required.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and safety within all wardrobe and backstage working areas.
• Be aware that overtime may occasionally be required, particularly during technical rehearsal periods.
• Provide occasional support to wigs, make‑up and props departments where needed, including wig dressing, with training provided.
• Accurately record hours worked, maintain punctuality in line with call sheets and report absences with as much notice as reasonably possible to enable cover arrangements.
• Uphold Theatre Royal Plymouth’s values of Collaboration, Creativity, Quality and Diversity.
• Wear appropriate full‑coverage black clothing during rehearsals and performances in line with backstage working requirements.
• Work in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act, Theatre Royal Plymouth policies, departmental risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience dressing within a professional theatre environment.
• Experience creating or maintaining dressing plots during professional technical rehearsal periods.