Deputy Head of Costume

This role forms part of a permanent, in-house team based at the Bridge Theatre, with responsibilities to support the creation of new productions, and to manage the running of current shows.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Attending design meetings, meet-and-greets, read throughs, rehearsals, workshops, production meetings and debriefs as necessary during production periods. 
• Collaborating dynamically with incoming Designers and Supervisors to support the interpretation and realisation of their costume and WHAM designs/ideas to an exceptional standard,  and in the most appropriate and cost-effective way. This may include obtaining and working with stock items, hired items, new makes, and purchases. 
• Supporting the fittings process for new cast (and any cast changes), including: taking and distributing cast measurements; helping to liaise with stage management, designers and makers regarding schedules; preparing and clearing preparation and fittings spaces; using technical fitting skills; managing fittings outcomes in terms of photographs, written notes, shopping lists and staff organisation.
• Generating, collating and distributing show paperwork as necessary both within the Costume department (including Wardrobe and WHAM teams) and, where relevant, with the wider production team and/or Bridge Theatre staff. 
• Helping the Costume Supervisor to create, and contributing to, physical and digital show bibles to ensure an excellent record is made of costume items, fabrics, makers and suppliers used by main cast, understudy cast and any additional costumed performers or crew. 
• Helping to recruit and manage first-class Wardrobe and Wigs, Hair & Make Up (WHAM) Departments for the Bridge Theatre, with skills and experience relevant to each incoming production.
• Working with the wardrobe and WHAM teams to facilitate the smooth delivery of appropriate costume support during all rehearsals, technical rehearsals and understudy rehearsals, in preparation for the run of the show. 
• Working closely with the Head of Costume to support the Wardrobe and WHAM Managers in the running of the show, to ensure that established designs and show plots are maintained to a high standard, and that teams work with a positive professional attitude at all times. 
• Supporting the costuming of promotional events, photoshoots, and filmed appearances for current and future productions, as required by London Theatre Company.
• Contributing to the creation of production budgets, and managing petty cash spending; including creating a log of expenditure and processing your own spending via accounting software.
• Adhering to, and helping to generate, appropriate Health and Safety policies, risk assessments and documentation as is required by the Bridge Theatre and the needs of individual productions. 
• Undertaking occasional Technical Manager duties, in the form of scheduled shifts shared across all departments of core technical staff.  Training will be provided for this work. 
• Helping to manage the end of run get-out process including accurate management of costume returns paperwork & receipts; coordinating the diligent return of hired & loaned items, as well as returning stock returns to the Bridge Costume Store as needed. 
• Helping to manage the offsite Costume store including unpacking, rehanging, stock-taking, and organising collections and deliveries for the theatre & rehearsal rooms.
• Engaging in staff training, development and planning processes to support and improve the safe and successful work practices of the Costume department, and the Bridge Theatre. 
• Building and maintaining good relationships with suppliers and outside contractors.
• Working with established software systems and processes to manage, store and distribute information; including being open to learning new processes as needed. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential: 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience working in costume at a high-level of professional theatre (or opera/dance equivalent) either in building-based or freelance roles. 
• Senior professional work credits, and proven abilities in one or more of the following areas: costume supervision; costume making/alterations; wardrobe management. 
• Good knowledge of theatrical costume techniques relevant to the preparation and staging of theatrical productions at the highest level.
• A strong understanding and enthusiasm for the production process.
• A flexible, problem-solving approach to changing schedules, priorities and show needs.  
• Ability to maintain a good working atmosphere, and encourage a positive professional attitude amongst colleagues, and visiting collaborators. 
• The ability to work well under pressure in a collaborative environment. 
• Excellent communication skills.
• Discretion and respect for confidentiality, in both professional and pastoral settings.
• Strong time management, financial and organisational skills.
• Basic (or higher) level of computer literacy. 

Desirable:

• Experience of working in a Producing House theatre. 
• Experience managing staffing requirements and workloads within a team.
• Specialist practical skills: e.g. dyeing and breaking down; costume prop making, etc.
• Familiarity with professional Wigs, Hair and Makeup processes. 
• First Aid and/or Mental Health First Aid qualifications.
• Experience of working on NT Live or similar recorded/live-streamed performances.

Specific location

Salaried

02/01/2026

Permanent, Full Time