Senior Costume Maker
Welsh National Opera Closing date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026
- Full time
- £25k-£30k
- Apply now
Wed, 08 Jul 2026 "> published -
Job Description
Employment Type: Fixed Term appointment 12 months
Reporting to: Head of Costume
The Role Purpose
To construct and alter costumes with advice from the Cutter for all productions produced by Welsh National Opera from main house through to and including the Youth Opera and other projects such as Play Opera.
Terms & Conditions
Salary Package: £26,387.00 plus a monthly skills allowance of £284.31 agreed until end of April 2027 (then reviewable).
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 07st September 2026 to 06th September 2027.
Hours of work: 37.5 per week
Notice Period: 1 week in probation rising to 1month post probation
Probationary Period: 6 month
Base Location: Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff CF10 5AL (Touring Required) i.e. based in Cardiff plus UK Touring
Benefits
33 days annual leave days per annum (inclusive of 8 Welsh bank holidays), rising to 36 days after 5 years' service
Enhanced family leave policies
Staff are provided with group life insurance cover equal to 3x their annual salary.
Discounted parking at Q Park carpark in Cardiff Bay.
Discounts in selected outlets in Cardiff Bay.
We support colleagues who wish to learn or develop their Welsh language skills and offer optional Welsh lessons at both basic and improver levels.
Employee Assistance Programme: Free, confidential counselling and advice for staff, freelancers, contractors, and their families.
Pension scheme available after three months of employment (4% employer contribution / 4% employee contribution).
Job Requirements
Key Accountabilities:
- Constructing complete costumes on own initiative, with advice from a Cutter and Head of Costume.
- Alterations to costumes for revivals, etc.
- Attending fittings to assist the Cutter and Head of Costume by taking notes on technical terms to pass on to the Costume Makers.
- Helping with pins, scissors, etc. Occasionally conducting fittings in the absence of a cutter or Head of Costume.
- Attending stage rehearsals if required by the Head of Costume.
- Occasionally attending fittings away from home base.
- Ensuring general tidiness of own sewing machine and workspace.
- Overseeing the work of the costume makers and assisting the Cutters in ensuring work is carried out in an efficient and economic manner.
- Giving advice and instruction on construction techniques to the Costume Makers as required.
Job Responsibilities
Essential Criteria:
- Highly experienced in working with both period and modern costumes.
- Significant experience of making costumes in a professional workroom.
- The ability to demonstrate Key Skills such as communication, application of numbers and IT skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines, to a high standard and ensuring attention to detail.
- Flexible, hardworking and organised.
- Positive and constructive attitude.
- Knowledge of dressing performers.
- Ability to work with due regard to Health & Safety.
Desirable Criteria:
- Welsh language speaker/writer
- Understanding of GDPR legislation
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Senior Costume Maker
- Salary: £25k-£30k
- Hours: Full time
- Role: Creative
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Sun, 12 Jul 2026
- Location: Wales
How to Apply
Please apply via the WNO website by 12/07/2026 23:59.
About Welsh National Opera
Welsh National Opera exists to bring the power, drama and raw emotion of opera to as wide an audience as possible in performances marked by an uncompromising quest for artistic quality. As a national company with international status, we sit at the heart of music-making in Wales and play a valuable role in the communities we serve in England.
Welsh National Opera is based in Cardiff Bay. Cardiff combines history, sporting excitement, ultra-modern development, eclectic culture and activities.