Apprentice Costume Technician Running Wardrobe

Summary

The Running Wardrobe is a department at the National Theatre that works across all three of the theatres on all the productions. They maintain all the costumes and are the running team on the shows who look after the actors. The apprenticeship is designed to produce practical skills to a high standard of expertise.

Wage

£28,808 a year

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Training course

Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3)

Hours

Working week: Hour per week: 40 (including late evenings and weekends with some possible overtime required). Days and times to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Basic Duties:

Under the direction of NT Staff, learn all disciplines related to Running Wardrobe – Costume Maintenance (High levels of ironing and steaming for example), Laundry skills, Repair, Alteration and Dressing (including pre-setting. Quick Changes and area maintenance)
Attend dress rehearsals where possible of shows you are not taking an active role in.
Work to agreed deadlines, consulting always with the Wardrobe Supervisor or the Head of Running Wardrobe.
Work in all locations related to the wardrobe running of the show – Wardrobe, Backstage Areas including Substage, Dressing Rooms, Laundry, other Costume areas and be prepared to have to travel outside the theatre for things such as going to the cobblers.
Maintain exacting standards of operations and good housekeeping of all Wardrobe areas.
Participate in the provision of a safe working environment, always acting within the company’s Health & Safety policy.
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Wardrobe Manager.

At the NT you will be supported by a dedicated Mentor, At all times you will be expected to:

Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately.
Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy.
To work at height and sometimes in small spaces, training will be given to you before you do this.
You will need to be flexible towards working evenings and weekends as this is where working on the performances will occur.

Where you'll work

ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE
UPPER GROUND
LONDON
SE1 9PX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED

Your training course

Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Work to the requirements of the organisation’s or production’s data protection policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects such as NDAs (non-disclosure agreements).
Comply with health, safety and security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the required personal protective equipment.
Plan for and safely relocate costumes as required ensuring costumes are protected from damage.
Safely pack and unpack costumes and wardrobe equipment for storage and future use. For example, returning hires ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
Organise the keeping of the costumes and equipment in a tidy and secure manner and contribute to good housekeeping.
Safely operate equipment such as sewing machines, washing machines or steam irons.
Create and maintain documentation relating to costumes for the purposes of a production. For example, dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists, using organisational recording systems, such as IT or paper-based records.
Set costumes in dressing areas and check off costumes against the costume list.
Prepare costume changes by pre-setting or laying out for performance.
Dress and undress performers before, during and after an event, production or scene adhering to health and safety requirements and professional etiquette.
Tactfully advise cast and performers on how to wear the costumes and when restrictions may need to be in place such as food and drink consumption, delicate fabrics.
Communicate verbally with colleagues for example actively participating in meetings or rehearsals that impact on costume.
Respond to short notice variations, such as cast or production staff cover. For example, costume fittings, alterations or covering a plot.
Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes to meet production specifications including preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs.
Undertake minor alterations and repairs to costumes, shoes and accessories. For example, hand or machine sewing, before, during or after performances.
Care for costumes and accessories according to the specific design and maintenance requirements of the item.
Assess and select the correct products, processes and techniques for cleaning and finishing a costume.
Follow sustainable practices in line with industry standard recommendations. For example, recycling, reusing and repurposing.
Follow reporting procedures for broken or missing items to allow for replacements or repair.
Prepare costumes for fittings, check the equipment needed is in the fitting rooms before you start: such as measurement sheet, alterations book, pins, tape measure, scissors, camera.
Assist with fittings in accordance with fitting room etiquette and procedures.
Take notes and record accurate measurements as required.
Assist with post-fitting labelling for remake workrooms or alterations.
Work to the requirements of the organisation’s or production’s data protection policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects such as NDAs (non-disclosure agreements).
Comply with health, safety and security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the required personal protective equipment.
Plan for and safely relocate costumes as required ensuring costumes are protected from damage.
Safely pack and unpack costumes and wardrobe equipment for storage and future use. For example, returning hires ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
Organise the keeping of the costumes and equipment in a tidy and secure manner and contribute to good housekeeping.
Safely operate equipment such as sewing machines, washing machines or steam irons.
Create and maintain documentation relating to costumes for the purposes of a production. For example, dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists, using organisational recording systems, such as IT or paper-based records.
Set costumes in dressing areas and check off costumes against the costume list.
Prepare costume changes by pre-setting or laying out for performance.
Dress and undress performers before, during and after an event, production or scene adhering to health and safety requirements and professional etiquette.
Tactfully advise cast and performers on how to wear the costumes and when restrictions may need to be in place such as food and drink consumption, delicate fabrics.
Communicate verbally with colleagues for example actively participating in meetings or rehearsals that impact on costume.
Respond to short notice variations, such as cast or production staff cover. For example, costume fittings, alterations or covering a plot.
Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes to meet production specifications including preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs.
Undertake minor alterations and repairs to costumes, shoes and accessories. For example, hand or machine sewing, before, during or after performances.
Care for costumes and accessories according to the specific design and maintenance requirements of the item.
Assess and select the correct products, processes and techniques for cleaning and finishing a costume.
Follow sustainable practices in line with industry standard recommendations. For example, recycling, reusing and repurposing.
Follow reporting procedures for broken or missing items to allow for replacements or repair.
Prepare costumes for fittings, check the equipment needed is in the fitting rooms before you start: such as measurement sheet, alterations book, pins, tape measure, scissors, camera.
Assist with fittings in accordance with fitting room etiquette and procedures.
Take notes and record accurate measurements as required.
Assist with post-fitting labelling for remake workrooms or alterations.

Your training plan

The apprentice will spend 6 hours a week completing off-the-job training with Creative Alliance.

The majority of this will be completed through in-person workplace observations at the apprentices' place of work.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative

Other requirements

This is a Level 3 apprenticeship; therefore, applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a theatre or costume degree, HND, or a post-graduate qualification, or have extensive experience of working backstage in professional theatre, or in other areas of costume.

About this company

The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home. World-leading artists make their best work at the NT with the widest possible audience and impact.

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-us/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

The Costume Technician – Running Wardrobe apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in working in theatre or going on to further study. Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post, this is an area of specialisation where the correct level of skill is often overlooked. Somebody trained to manage the Running Wardrobe elements of a production should be welcomed into any Wardrobe department across all kinds of disciplines, (Opera, Ballet, Plays, Musicals, Events).

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: