Costume Assistant - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art : Job Details

We are looking someone with at least three years’ experience within a wardrobe environment to join our costume department to support the smooth running of the department

The role requires the applicant to have a strong background in sewing and alterations who will work alongside the other members of the Costume team in the preparation of the shows.

The applicant should be willing to Supervise a RADA show when required as well as organising costumes for the first- and second-year Acting student projects.

The successful applicant will also be working with the other staff in the good housekeeping of the Costume store.

Other duties will include having an overview of the WHAM requirements and participating in staff duties while the shows are up.

The hours are varied and included evening and weekend work but are based on a 37.5 hours a week with time taken off in lieu of overtime worked. The courses run in three terms of 11-13 weeks.

The role requires a committed, self-motivated person who works well in a team and can lead diplomatically, confidently and with care and attention to furthering RADA’s goals of creating dedicated, confident and skilled Theatre Professionals.

Please see Job description for a full breakdown of duties.

The costume department consists of the Head of costume, Deputy Head of Costume/Tutor and an Assistant, though during this period of maternity leave, the team will consist of two tutors and an Assistant with overall leadership provided by the Director of Technical Training.

We are very interested in hearing from Black, Asian, and Global Majority candidates as well as candidates who identify as disabled. RADA is embarking on a journey to become an anti-racist institution and is committed to supporting candidates in their positions, ensuring that the workplace is safe and inclusive for all. If you require any support to be able to take part in the interview process, please let us know when you apply, and we will ensure our interview process is accessible for you.

Founded in 1904, RADA has an unparalleled record of success in training some of the world’s most renowned actors and technical specialists. Ours is an impressive history on which we are building an innovative future. RADA training is not only informed by the industry but also produces graduates who take their place at the vanguard of their profession working at the cutting edge of the dramatic arts. We have an ambitious strategy to encourage students from all circumstances and backgrounds to come to RADA.

We aim to be fair and equitable and enable dialogue in a world of rapidly changing demographics and evolving definitions of identity. Through our approach to teaching, learning and wider social engagement we foreground equitable and sustainable practice in a way that sets high standards and feeds expectations for fair and considerate behaviour both in RADA and beyond. Our access and participation programme aims to remove any barriers that students from underrepresented groups may encounter so they are able to access and succeed on our courses, and progress into the industry.

This is an exciting time to join us. We are developing a new vision and strategy for RADA, building on its existing successes to redefine training in the dramatic arts for the 21st century, focusing on key themes of training and student experience, growth, industry, and international dialogue and engagement.

In addition to our aims for our vocational training, we are working from our foundational strengths to grow our income streams through life-changing work, aligned with our core pedagogy and ethos. We aim to co-create with industry and other stakeholders to build on our reputation as a centre of excellence and innovation in our field.