The RSC’s Running Wardrobe Apprenticeship programme provides young creatives with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a supportive, collaborative environment. Apprentices are integral to productions, contributing to the smooth running of shows and learning from leading industry professionals.

“When I first applied for the RSC Running Wardrobe Apprentice role, I’ll admit I didn’t fully know what 'running wardrobe' even meant. I just knew I loved theatre, costumes and being part of a creative environment – but the specifics of the role were a mystery. That curiosity, combined with my experiences with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s Young Rep Backstage as well as helping with costume for the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham, pushed me to apply.

“I’d visited the RSC for my birthday to see Edward II, and it was exhilarating. It hadn’t even occurred to me then that I could one day work here. But during a tour of the RSC, as part of my Young Rep Backstage placement, I learned about theatre apprenticeships, by chance, on a Friday and by Sunday I had submitted my application.

On starting his apprenticeship, Hassan learned “you have to build real connections with people – actors, freelancers, technicians and teams across the entire organisation. The level of collaboration is huge."

“One of my early big tasks was working on the RSC’s five-star show, Cyrano de Bergerac, which taught me so much about how the technical side of wardrobe works. That was where I first saw what happens before a show, how to prepare, what meetings you need to have and how to learn the play inside out – from costumes to quick changes. That experience helped me grow far more quickly than I expected.”

Commuting from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon has been a journey in itself for Hassan.

“I’ve been sacrificing three to four hours a day to travel, and although it’s definitely challenging, it hasn’t stopped me from carrying out my role. It’s just made me plan more carefully and appreciate the time I have on site. I’m hoping to move closer to the RSC, as working with them has been transformative. It’s given me a deeper understanding of theatre, a clearer sense of my future, and the confidence that I’m exactly where I should be.”