Theatre Designer

Theatre Design shapes imaginative productions at Wellington in this part-time, fixed-term maternity cover, inspiring pupil creativity throughout.

Wellington College is a world-leading independent boarding and day school. We are a dynamic, values-led community where ambition and collaboration drive excellence across academic life, the arts, and the wider school community.

Located in Crowthorne, Berkshire, with train and bus links providing easy access to transport connections, our 400 acre estate is a unique and inspiring place to work.

You will play an important role in our school community, working alongside dedicated colleagues to ensure the smooth and effective running of Wellington. Your contribution will directly support pupils, staff, and visitors every day, and you will have access to development opportunities that help you grow in your career.

Wellington College is seeking an imaginative and resourceful Theatre Designer to join its Drama and Performing Arts department on a fixed-term maternity cover basis. This part-time position is offered for 22.5 hours per week, 42 weeks per year, and presents a rewarding opportunity to help realise a varied programme of productions and events through engaging, professional-standard visual design.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Drama, Theatre Manager, technicians, production directors and pupil design teams, the postholder will develop creative ideas from concept through to performance. Costume will be at the heart of the role, including sourcing, fitting, adapting, repairing and maintaining garments, alongside supporting appropriate hair and make-up design. They will also contribute thoughtfully to scenery, props, stage dressing and wider visual elements, helping to create distinctive theatrical worlds for productions of different scales.

The successful candidate will bring creative flair, practical capability and strong organisation to a busy production environment. They will balance artistic ambition with agreed budgets, timescales, spaces and safe workshop practice, while maintaining well-organised costume and design resources. A resourceful approach to reuse, adaptation and responsible sourcing will be particularly valued.

There will be meaningful opportunities to mentor and inspire pupils with interests in costume, prop-making, make-up, design and backstage theatre. Through practical guidance, collaboration and encouragement, the Theatre Designer will help pupils build confidence and develop their creative and technical skills.

The role follows the rhythm of the production calendar, so flexibility will be required around fittings, rehearsals, technical periods and performance weeks. We are looking for a calm, collaborative colleague who can respond positively to evolving production needs and take pride in delivering considered, high-quality work within an ambitious school setting.

Working within a busy and welcoming school environment provides a real sense of purpose. You will be encouraged in your development and supported with training opportunities, while working alongside colleagues committed to maintaining high standards for pupils, staff and visitors.

Wellington College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You must have the right to work in the UK.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We promote an inclusive and supportive environment and are an equal opportunities employer.