Apprenticeship training course

Costume performance technician (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.

• Qualification level: 3 ; Equivalent to A level.
• Typical duration: 15 months
• Apprenticeship category: Creative and design
• Maximum funding: £5,000 ; Maximum amount government will fund ; for apprenticeship training.
• Also known as:
  • Costime Running Assistant
  • Performance Support Technician
  • Wadrobe Technician
• Skills:
  Skills an apprentice will learn

  • Link their Organisation’s strategy to current and future projects
  • Produce timeline information to support long and short-term scheduling for performances
  • Ensure relevant information is visually available within the wardrobe room.
  • Produce and update staff contacts including emergency contacts
  • Work to the requirements of the Organisation’s Data Protection Policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects
  • Comply with all Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Plan for and safely move costumes as required
  • Safely pack up and unpack all costumes and wardrobe equipment
  • Keep all costumes and equipment tidy and secure
  • Undertake and work in accordance with risk assessments appropriate for the environment
  • Safely operate appropriate equipment e.g. sewing machines
  • Work at height when required by the environment
  • Identify performance and scheduling requirements to ensure costumes are available as required
  • Attend rehearsals and meetings to assess all wardrobe requirements
  • Compile dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists. These may be paper-based or electronic.
  • Check off costumes against the costume list and set in dressing areas as required/ Setting of costumes correctly and in correct location backstage and in dressing room.
  • Manage costume needs for a range of performers taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer's body shape, following child protection guidelines, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and safety requirements. This includes setting up and undertaking costume fittings and preparation; dress and undress performers at the start, during and at the end of events.
  • Identify and communicate costume requirements using appropriate language and tact, to performers e.g. sitting and eating restrictions
  • Ensure all quick costumes changes meet performance and H&S requirements and fitting etiquette.
  • Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. last-minute cast substitutions. This may include costume fittings and changes
  • Identify external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or makers
  • Identify and liaise with costume hire organisations to provide specialist costumes to meet requirements
  • Receive, store and return costumes on loan ensuring compliance with loan conditions
  • Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes in order to meet production specifications. This will include preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs.
  • Undertake alterations and repairs to costumes and shoes, which may include hand/machine sewing, during and after performances
  • Wash, iron and/or prepare costumes for dry cleaning
  • Plan costume refurbishment to maintain original appearance
  • Source broken/ missing items e.g. jewelry, this may include buying items
  • Ensure the correct removal, packing and storage of costumes in accordance with organisation and fabric requirements
  • Be aware of who will use and where the costume will be required next
  • Be discrete and keep artist information confidential
  • Update costume data base – keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets
  • Manage wardrobe stock lists including shoes and accessories using the agreed process.
  • Write and maintain clear running notes of all costumes allocated either on paper or electronically, They should include costume descriptions, costume changes, locations, pre-event notes, accessory lists and daily laundry requirements
  • Provide clear communication with other relevant departments Wigs hair and make-up/ sound department to ensure correct order of process
  • Show confidence, flexibility and tact when communicating with different stakeholders which may include freelance dressers, ensuring an appropriate use of language, terminology and when required, fitting etiquette.
  • Maintain stock of costume and running wardrobe supplies as required.
  • Manage external costume hire including payments
  • Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets on time
  • Follow Organisation’s financial processes for procurement of agreed good and services

Full information on Costume performance technician (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.

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