Wardrobe Specialist

Wardrobe Specialist

Trigger Closing date: Tue, 07 Apr 2026

Artform: Combined arts
Role: Technical & Production
Contract: Temporary
South East

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Trigger is creating a new story for Ashdown Forest through a series of interactive performances & events. The Wardrobe Specialist will maintain & manage all wearable puppet & costume elements for rehearsals, the two-day Ashdown Forest event, & a five-weekend August tour across Wealden District

Job Description

Trigger is creating a new story for Ashdown Forest that uses imagination, play and storytelling to encourage nature connection and to care for this landscape which holds environmental and cultural significance for the next 100 years. Through a series of interactive performances and events, visitors will be invited to explore the Forest where Christopher Robin once played, meeting a new character and discovering the natural world through curiosity. Alongside this, Trigger will deliver a Learning and Participation programme which will include workshops, interactive events and a bespoke activity pack.
This role requires strong experience in puppetry, costume construction and maintenance for physical performance, with particular attention to durability, safety and performer comfort in outdoor, weather-dependent environments. The successful candidate will ensure the creature's visual integrity is consistently delivered while supporting safe and practical operation for the puppeteer cast.
The creature will be made of mixed materials including inflatable elements. The creature will be costumed/puppeteer by a cast of 8 with 2 swing (TBC) and performances will take place in an outdoor setting.
The creature/puppet will appear in a series of choreographed outdoor performances, or 'Sightings' at Ashdown Forest and 5 weekends throughout the month of August.
The Wardrobe / Puppet Technician is the designated custodian of the puppet and all associated costume elements. They hold primary responsibility for the puppet's condition, dressing systems, maintenance, and operational readiness throughout rehearsals, delivery, and tour.

Fee:
3 days prep @ £180pd = £540
1 week rehearsal into Ashdown Forest event: £800
5 days across August @ £180pd = £900
Total: £2240

For a full job description, timeline and location breakdown please see the brief found on our website.

Job Requirements

- Proven experience working with large-scale costumes, wearable puppets, inflatable structures, or structurally complex performance costumes.
- Strong understanding of how to sew Nylon based/plastic fabrics
- Strong understanding of costume construction, structural reinforcement, and maintenance planning.
- Experience supporting live performance, ideally in outdoor or site-specific settings.
- Confidence dressing performers safely and efficiently, with awareness of weight distribution, visibility, ventilation, and physical strain.
- Ability to assess wear-and-tear quickly and implement effective on-site fixes under time pressure.
- Knowledge of weatherproofing and moisture management techniques suitable for outdoor events.
- Strong organisational skills in tracking costume elements, packing systems, and transport logistics.
- Calm and clear communication style.
- Awareness of performer wellbeing and physical safety.

For full list of requirements and skills please see job brief.

Job Responsibilities

Pre Production (1 Prep / Handover Day)
- Attend formal handover with designer / fabricator and puppetry director.
- Review technical drawings, maintenance notes, fabrication documents.
- Establish clear maintenance and daily check protocols.
- Work collaboratively with wider creative and production team.

Rehearsal & Ashdown Forest Event:
- Primary responsibility for puppets condition.
- Lead on dressing and fitting.
- Oversee daily maintenance checks and ensure puppet is performance ready.
- Undertake minor repairs / adjustments.
- Ensure costume is clean.
-Support with get in and get out.
- Ensure batteries are charged.
- Implement and manage weather protection systems.
- Maintain maintenance logs.

August Touring:
- Maintain full responsibility for puppet's condition.
- Lead on packing, transport preparation, loading/unloading.
- Adapt maintenance systems to varied environments.
- Continue daily checks and repairs.

For full list of responsibilities see job brief.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Wardrobe Specialist
  • Salary: Under £10K
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Combined arts
  • Role: Technical & Production
  • Contract: Temporary
  • Closing date: Tue, 07 Apr 2026
  • Location:
    South East

How to Apply

To apply for the position, please provide the following information to [email protected] by 9am Tuesday 7th April.
- A comprehensive CV detailing your education and work experience (no more than 2 A4 pages)
- A covering letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role and how your experience matches the role summary (no more than 2 A4 pages)
- A completed equal opportunities form available from our website.

Please note, any incomplete applications received will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be asked to provide 2 referees. All offers of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. All applicants must be eligible to work within the UK.
Please submit your application by email with ‘Trigger Wardrobe Specialist Application’ in the subject line to [email protected].