The Costume Department is responsible for creating and overseeing all costume related aspects for each production.
Costume Department (Ref: WP02)
The Costume Department is responsible for creating and overseeing all costume related aspects for each production. The Department is divided into specific areas: Mens Costume; Ladies Costume; Hats and Jewellery; Dyeing; Footwear & Armoury; Costume Supervision, Wigs and Maintenance Wardrobe. (There is a separate application route for Wigs).
Under the overall management of the Head of Costume are Heads of each of the respective workrooms with descending grades of staff: Cutters, Cutters’ Assistants, Senior and Skilled Costumiers, and First Assistants.
Placement details
Available dates: Available all year round
Length of placement: One week
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon
Closing date for applications: Ongoing
Ref: WP02
About the placement
Candidates are expected to identify which discipline or which mix of disciplines they would prefer to work in. The preferred placement length is two weeks. Placements are normally available all year round but certain periods of intense work may be unavailable. All placements would be based with the RSC workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon.
As the RSC does not have permanent Costume Supervisors, we are unable to offer placements in this area.
As the nature of costume work is constantly varied, no guarantees can be given as to specific techniques or skills you will encounter at the time of the placement, but you will be able to gain an accurate view of a busy working Costume Department.
Criteria
For this placement you will need to:
- Be a second or third year student in a degree or diploma course which involves one or more of the following - Costume / Tailoring / Fashion
- Have above average sewing skills and a basic knowledge of period and modern clothing construction and terminology
- Be competent in the use of both domestic and industrial sewing machines and overlockers
- Have relevant millinery / dye / footwear skills as appropriate for the area you are applying for. For example, a good eye for colour, experience at forming felt etc.
In addition you must:
- Display an enthusiasm and initiative for theatre costume
- Be willing to work as part of a team
- Have basic knowledge of different stitches and their application
- Have knowledge of different fastenings. E.g. poppers, hooks & bars, buttons etc
- Have some experience of domestic and industrial pressing and steaming equipment
- Have an interest in the properties and character of different fabrics. E.g. silks, wools, velvets, man-made fibres etc.
Selection process
Selection is by application form and/or college introduction. An interview (either face to face or by telephone) may be arranged if appropriate. A placement will normally last for two weeks. Extended placements may be made available to students who require work experience as a part of their course. Students will be responsible for their travelling, accommodation and personal expenses.
Please specify when you will be available, giving two or three alternatives. Working hours are normally Monday - Friday from 9.00am-6.00pm. Owing to the variety of the RSC’s production schedule it is not always possible to offer all applicants a placement.
If you would like to apply for this placement, please complete the Work Experience Application Form.
Please note this placement is only available to candidates 18 years of age or over. See our programme for under 18s.
