Apprenticeship training course
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.
- Qualification level
-
3
Equivalent to A level. - Typical duration
- 15 months
- Apprenticeship category
- Creative and design
- Maximum funding
-
£9,000
Maximum amount government will fund
for apprenticeship training. - Also known as
-
- Costume assistant
- Costume running assistant
- Dressers
- Performance support technician
- Standby costume assistant
- Wardrobe technician
- Skills
-
Skills an apprentice will learn
- 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.
Full information on Costume technician - stage and screen (level 3) is available from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.