Dresser – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

We are looking for a full time Dresser for our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This is a dressing role, and your main responsibility will be setting up, managing and executing a dressing plot for the duration of the run. Dates: Wednesday 14 May – Saturday 30 August 2025.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• You will be dressing the actors during the performances. This will include delivering laundry to dressing rooms; pre-setting costume for later changes; undertaking costume changes (and quick changes) in various locations around the venue; re-setting and clearing discarded costumes as needed; collecting dirty laundry and items for maintenance at the end of the show. This work should be undertaken to an exceptional standard of detail and accuracy.
• During the preparation, technical and dress rehearsal period, you should expect to search out and adapt to new information regarding changes, entrances and exits for the plot, as well as working out how to execute actual changes efficiently and to time.
• You should expect to become familiar with the costumes, and the ways in which the Designer and Costume Supervisor would like them to be worn by the cast. These elements may change during the tech, dress and preview periods, and you should remain open to any new information that is given to you, or new approaches that may be needed.
• During the technical rehearsals, you will be asked to develop a show dressing plot, including setting notes and costume lists. These should be typed up to share and be made available for use by other Wardrobe team members. The Wardrobe Manager should be informed, and the paper plot kept up to date, if any alterations to the plot are made further into the run.
• You should expect to do Pre-Sets and checks before every performance, and you will be responsible for the costumes within your care being in the right place at the right time.
• A key aspect of this role is to establish good communications with the team, cast and company, helping to create an atmosphere which is professional and courteous, and ultimately helps solve problems promptly and efficiently.
• There will be laundry calls included in this contract. These are shared amongst the dressers – one or two per week – depending on the production and team structure. These calls are considered part of your weekly hours and do not incur a separate fee.
• You should expect to maintain a well-organised and efficient environment in dressing rooms, backstage and wardrobe areas.
• Once we are into the show running period, post-Press Night, you will be given a weekly rota. This will be adhered to as much as possible, but you should exhibit a degree of flexibility in case of last-minute changes within the team.
• During performances, you should be prepared to alert the Wardrobe team of any damage/wear and tear to costume, or any other issues impacting your plot, so that they can be resolved quickly and effectively.
• Where relevant, you will be expected to participate in understudy rehearsals, as well as any tech and dress rehearsals relating to any new cast members, as a part of your normal work.
• It is expected that you will participate helpfully and collaboratively with your colleagues. Sometimes this will mean changes to your established plot in case of understudy cast or swings going on for the show or covering sickness/ unexpected absences within the wardrobe team.
• Following the end of the production’s run, you will participate in a period of Get-out work; supporting the Senior Wardrobe team to clean, organise and transport costumes so that they can be stored and/or returned to hire houses. This work is included in the contract dates, and does not attract a separate contract or fee.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in professional theatre wardrobe (or opera/dance equivalent) either in building-based or freelance roles.
• A keen eye for detail in costume.
• Ability to work in a focused and organised fashion.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A positive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work well within a team, in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident in taking initiative and in working both independently, and collaboratively.
• Calm under pressure and resilient in meeting new challenges.
• Punctual and reliable.
• Discretion and a respect for confidentiality.
• Proven skills working with a wide variety of company members.

Specific location

Weekly Paid

24/03/2025

Fixed Term, Full Time