Head of Wardrobe

Job Description

Great Show Productions are looking for a Head of Wardrobe to work on the upcoming production, COME ALIVE! THE GREATEST SHOWMAN CIRCUS SPECTACULAR.

Key responsibilities:

• Responsible for all aspects of the planning, supervision, and maintenance of all costumes in the show for performances;
• Press/marketing photography and press/marketing performances ensuring the Designer’s original specification and look of the production is maintained;
• Managing the wardrobe department (including casual staff and deps), including recruitment, line management, recording of hours and training;
• Manage, supervise, and schedule members of the Wardrobe team including the Wardrobe Deputy, Assistant and Dressers;
• To update and supervise the dressing plots undertaken by the Wardrobe staff;
• Acquiring a familiarity with all plots/tracks within your department so that you can provide holiday or absence cover for other members of your department as required, in addition to ensuring that your staff are trained to cover other plots/tracks as required;
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure the smooth running of the show;
• To ensure all costumes are cleaned, well maintained and ready for each performance;
• To coordinate the supply of all equipment and consumables required to run the show within budget as approved by the Company/General Manager;
• Keeping the petty cash documentation up to date;
• To keep the Costume bible up to date including photo references for each cast change;
• To liaise with the Company Manager regarding daily cast changes and prepare the Costume changes accordingly;
• Attend rehearsal, technical, dress and costume understudy rehearsals as required;
• Deal with emergency repairs to costumes;
• Recognise where maintenance work needs to be carried out on a costume outside of the theatre and to bring this to the attention of the General Manager so this may be scheduled to ensure no show delays;
• In collaboration with the Production Manager plan and budget for cast changes;
• Ensure that work materials and all costumes are kept in a tidy and secured manner;
• Ensure that security, safety and good housekeeping procedures for the department are properly carried out;
• Comply with the Manager’s Health and Safety and other policies at all times;
• Perform all other job-related duties as requested.

Qualifications / Essential Skills:

• Previous experience as Head of Wardrobe on a large-scale production;
• Experience in immersive theatre or live events is desirable;
• Leadership and ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to supervise dressing cues (from simple to extensive plots);
• Experience and good knowledge in the maintenance of varied garments and textiles;
• Excellent hand and machine sewing skills;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office;

Summary

• Deadline: Monday 15th July 2024
• 1st round interviews:18th July 2024
• Start date: 5th August 2024 or thereabouts
• End date: 21st September 2025
• Location: West London
• Performances: 7 performances per week Tuesday – Sunday
• Salary: competitive weekly buyout fee