Costume Performance Technician Apprentice

Summary

The Costume Performance Technician Apprenticeship at ROH is an opportunity to acquire the practical skills for running wardrobe in ballet and opera that are transferrable to stage and screen. If you enjoy working on live performances, interacting with people as well as costume maintenance, gain these skills in one of Europe's busiest opera houses.

Wage

£16,685.50 to £26,984.10 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary increases by 2.5% in second year

Training course

Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3)

Hours

Days and shifts to be confirmed. Due to legislation and the working hours of 42.5 per week, candidates must be 18+.

42 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 1 September

Duration

2 years

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

Create costume plots during rehearsals for a production.
Prepare and set costumes for every rehearsal and performance costumes are required for.
Laundering, ironing, steaming, organising dry cleaning, repairing.
Responsible for the smooth running of dressing during performances/rehearsals.
After the final performance of a show, the department assists cataloguing the costumes and packs them ready for transportation to storage.
This apprenticeship is NOT suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in Costume Making or Costume/Fashion Design. The Royal Ballet and Opera do not offer design-based apprenticeships.

Where you’ll work

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
COVENT GARDEN
LONDON
WC2E 9DD

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)

Equal to A level

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

You will spend time working on both ballet and opera in rehearsals and live performances.
You will be required to work long and unsociable hours - working often on evenings and weekends.
The working week is 42.5 hours per week.
The Training Provider is Creaive Alliance College with the large part of course delivery taking place online.
There will be an average of a day per week alloted to college study.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Other in:

(no previous qualifications required) (grade n/a)

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
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience
Physical fitness
Interest in period costume
Hand & machine sewing skills
Familiarity with sewing terms
Helpful, Positive Proactive
Punctual
Manage own workload
Self-motivated
Interest in theatre

Other requirements

You must be 18 years old or over on 1 September 2025. You must have work authorisation for the UK. You must not have completed a university degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere. You must be physically capable of undertaking the requirements of the job. Reasonable adjustments will be considered as part of your application.

About this company

We bring together the world’s most extraordinary artists in live, streamed and broadcast events and performances that thrill, move and excite; that transport people to other worlds. Our theatres are in London’s Covent Garden but our work is accessed and experienced across the UK and globally through touring partnerships, cinema programmes, free outdoor screenings, radio, TV and live-streaming.

http://www.roh.org.uk/apprenticeships (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Able to secure entry level Costume Technician role or similar in the creative industries.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED

recruitment@roh.org.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000305568.

Apply now

Closes in 5 days (Monday 24 March)

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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application form. These apprenticeships are designed for people who are passionate about pursuing a career, but who still have lots to learn! Don’t be afraid to give examples from your hobbies, clubs or school activities. We are not necessarily looking for any experience in a workplace.

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