Senior Costume Maker - Part Time

Senior Costume Maker - Part Time

Royal Shakespeare Company Closing date: Sun, 19 Jul 2026

Artform: Theatre
Role: Technical & Production
Contract: Permanent
West Midlands

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Costume Maker to help bring world-class productions to life by translating and transforming design concepts into exceptional finished garments.

Job Description

Do you have the technical expertise to confidently construct and alter costumes to a professional theatre/film standard? Are you comfortable working to tight deadlines while maintaining exceptional attention to detail? Are you adaptable and willing to work across different costume styles and traditionally gendered categories when required?

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Costume Maker to help bring world-class productions to life by translating and transforming design concepts into exceptional finished garments. Collaborating closely with Running Wardrobe and other departments, you will ensure costumes are delivered accurately and efficiently.

Our Costume Workshops are at the heart of the extraordinary work seen on our stages-bringing to life the unique, iconic costumes that define RSC productions. Home to exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration, this is a team where skills are celebrated and artistry thrives.

With an exciting season ahead, there's never been a better time to join us. This is your opportunity to contribute to world-class theatre and see your craft realised on stage, worn by actors and experienced by audiences' night after night.

This role is offered as a permanent, part time role working 24 hours per week over 3 or 4 days, based at our purpose designed costume workshop in Stratford-upon-Avon.

You will be joining a hard-working, established and highly skilled team of 5 where you will work alongside a second Senior Costume Maker to ensure costumes are delivered accurately and efficiently for productions.

Job Requirements

Advanced knowledge of costume terminology and construction methods.
Excellent costume making and alteration skills across traditionally gendered costume categories, with a stronger focus in one traditionally gendered costume area.
Broad experience in period costume, specifically Elizabethan, Victorian and Long Dress.
Strong hand and machine sewing skills, alongside excellent alteration and refurbishment expertise
Experience participating in costume fittings and understanding performance requirements
Good knowledge of fabric types, properties, and care requirements
Relevant qualification (BTEC, HND, degree in Theatre Costume) or equivalent professional experience
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, production-driven environment

Job Responsibilities

Working under the guidance of Head Cutters to realise costume designs using a wide range of construction techniques
Supporting costume making teams to deliver high-quality garments within production deadlines
Collaborating with Designers, Production Managers, and Costume colleagues to achieve consistently excellent results
Attending fittings and rehearsals to uphold artistic quality and ensure effective communication of any costume-related issues
Providing guidance and support to apprentices and work experience placements
Contributing to wider Costume Workshop activity, including alterations, refurbishment, and cross-team support during busy periods

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Senior Costume Maker - Part Time
  • Salary: £20k-£25k
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Theatre
  • Role: Technical & Production
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Sun, 19 Jul 2026
  • Location:
    West Midlands
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Senior Costume Maker - Part Time

Job: Senior Costume Maker - Part Time

Organisation: Royal Shakespeare Company

Postcode: CV37 6BB

How to Apply

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email [email protected]

Deadline is 23.59 on 19 July.

Interviews will take place in the week commencing 27 July.