Costume and Production Design Technician (Apprentice)

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Costume and Production Design Technician (Apprentice) on a fixed-term basis.

Reporting to: Head of Wardrobe Design

Main purpose of the role:

This apprenticeship provides an opportunity to develop specialist skills in costume and wardrobe for live theatre productions, whilst gaining wider experience across scenic design, props and production support.

This role will primarily support the wardrobe design and costume preparation process throughout design, build, rehearsal and production periods. In addition, they will contribute to props sourcing, maintenance and scenic preparation activities, providing flexible support across the wider design department.

The role is ideal for someone passionate about theatre design and production who wishes to develop practical skills in costume, wardrobe, props and scenic support within a professional touring environment. This is a fixed term contract for two years from official the start date.

Costume and Production Design Technician General Duties and Responsibilities:

Wardrobe and Costume Support

• Assist with the preparation, maintenance and organisation of costumes for productions.
• Support costume fittings, alterations and adjustments under supervision.
• Steam, clean, repair and prepare costume pieces for rehearsal and performance.
• Assist with costume tracking, continuity and costume documentation.
• Maintain wardrobe stock, storage systems and costume inventories.
• Support dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals and production periods as required.
• Assist with the packing, transportation and installation of costume equipment and costumes for touring productions.

Design Department Support

• Assist the Head of Wardrobe Design with research, sourcing and development work.
• Support the creation and maintenance of costume mood boards, reference materials and production paperwork.
• Assist with administrative tasks including supplier communications, purchase tracking and stock management.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives through the re-use, repair and adaptation of costume assets.

Props Support

• Assist with sourcing, purchasing, organising and maintaining rehearsal and show props.
• Prepare and label props for rehearsals and productions.
• Support prop storage, inventory management and transportation.
• Assist in the construction, finishing or modification of simple props under supervision.
• Use of paints, sprays and glues.

Scenic and Production Support

• Provide practical assistance within the scenic and theatrical design process.
• Support the preparation, finishing and maintenance of set elements where appropriate.
• Assist with workshops, build periods, installations and get-ins/get-outs.
• Maintain safe and organised workspaces.

General Responsibilities

• Follow all health and safety procedures and safe systems of work.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across design, technical and production departments.
• Attend apprenticeship training sessions and complete all associated coursework.
• Demonstrate professionalism, reliability and a commitment to personal development.
• Represent the organisation positively when working with clients, venues and production partners.

Costume and Production Design Technician Person Specifications

The successful candidate will have experience in the following areas:

Essential

• Passion for theatre, live events, costume or production design.
• Strong practical and creative skills.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and take direction.
• Positive attitude and ability to work as part of a team.
• Basic IT skills including Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Experience in drama, theatre, costume, textiles, art, design or craft activities.
• Basic sewing or costume-making skills.
• Experience of prop making, model making or scenic art.
• Knowledge of theatre production processes.

Costume and Production Design Technician - Hours of Work:

This role will be on an annualised hours basis, which means the successful candidate will be expected to work a set number of hours per annum, equivalent to 40 hours per week across 37 weeks, between January and December. Weekly hours will be agreed with their line manager via a rostering system issued in advance and can be discussed in further detail at interview. Due to the nature of the role, there will be a requirement to work some evenings and weekends to support the College’s events.

Remuneration:

The salary for this role will be £21,081.26 per annum, based on an average of 40 hours per week across 37 weeks.

Holidays:

Holiday entitlement is included in the salary for this role. All holiday is to be taken outside of the working weeks.

Benefits:

• Complimentary lunch is provided.
• Free tickets to the College’s music, dance and drama performances.
• Job specific Learning and Development programme available to all employees.
• Life Cover is provided whilst working at Brighton College after successfully passing probation period.
• Contributory pension scheme with matching contributions from the employer up to 9%, which all eligible employees will be automatically enrolled into within three months of commencement of employment.
• Employee benefit and discount platform.

Wellbeing:

• Subsidised gym membership for the School of Science and Sport is available, which includes access to yoga and Pilates classes, meditation sessions and use of the gym and swimming pool.
• Personalised health and wellbeing consultations.
• Generous sickness policy.
• Comprehensive wellbeing package.
• Access to books and magazines from the College Library.

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities:

Brighton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to successfully completing pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure, the receipt of satisfactory references, the College’s pre-employment medical questionnaire, relevant original ID documentation and examination certificates.