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Apprenticeship training course

Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3)

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Information about Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3)

To support their organisation to identify costumes for short/long term performance plans and be responsible for the care, maintenance and usage of costumes, ensuring that all costume elements are at the standard of the designer’s specification.

Knowledge, skills and behaviours
View knowledge, skills and behaviours

Knowledge

  • Departmental structure, vision and purpose and how each department interacts with each other.
  • The significance and importance of the role within the setting and the importance of working logically with other departments.
  • Communication techniques: verbal, written, and digital. How to use industry specific terminology relevant to the role.
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion principles and the relevance to the role.
  • Data protection laws and confidentiality protocols for the setting and the impact on the role including social media policy.
  • Current workplace rules and procedures regarding safeguarding and child protection and how they impact the role.
  • Health and Safety legislation including Health and Safety at Work etc Act (HaSaWA), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), personal protective equipment (PPE). Manual handling techniques and company health, safety and security policies.
  • The importance of environmental sustainability and departmental processes for working on a production. For example, ‘Theatre Green Book’ for theatre, Albert Carbon Calculator for screen or activities that contribute to the monitoring and reduction of the carbon footprint.
  • The requirements and purpose of show or production documentation such as costume breakdown, running notes, running lists, dressing plots, costume description lists.
  • Dressing protocols pre, during and post production including the order of processes. For example, make-up, wigs, microphone. The importance of collaborative working processes and interdependency of departments in a performance or production.
  • How to identify clothing and other costume elements to meet period or genre requirements for a specific performance or production.
  • How to maintain the design of costumes taking into account the fit and the properties of fabrics and materials and how they are used in the context of the performance or production.
  • Machine and hand sewing techniques and the importance of this for the authenticity of the costume.
  • Laundry techniques and garment care and processes. For example, silk care versus woollen or cotton care. Costume finishing including ironing or steaming, as appropriate.
  • Costume packing techniques for storage while costumes are inactive to avoid damage such as moth and mould, adhering to health and safety considerations.
  • Workplace practices such as use of IT systems software or record keeping systems relating to costume.
  • How photographic records are used in productions and performances.
  • Costume or wardrobe departmental administrative requirements, such as alterations records, continuity notes, timesheets and work rotas.
  • Costume rigging requirements including the health and safety implications when using these such as specialist quick changes, harnesses or integrated props, appropriate to a specific performance or production.

Skills

  • 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.

Behaviours

  • Commitment to maintaining high standards with attention to detail in all tasks.
  • Displays respect, tolerance and dignity when working with colleagues and others in line with required equality, diversity and inclusion standards.
  • Works calmly under pressure.
  • Displays resilience and flexibility when facing challenges. Actively works to find solutions, accepts support and acts on feedback.
Apprenticeship category (sector)
Creative and design
Qualification level
3
Equal to A level
Course duration
15 months
Maximum funding
£5,000
Maximum government funding for
apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
Job titles include
  • Costume assistant
  • Costume running assistant
  • Dressers
  • Performance support technician
  • Standby costume assistant
  • Wardrobe technician

View more information about Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.