Costume And Production Design Technician (apprentice)

About the role

Brighton College is looking for a Costume and Production Design Technician (Apprentice) to join our awesome team on a fixed-term basis! 🤩

Reporting to: Head of Wardrobe Design

What's the gig? 🎭

This apprenticeship is your golden ticket to mastering costume and wardrobe magic for live theatre, while also getting your hands dirty with scenic design, props, and overall production support. You'll be the go-to person for all things costume-related, from the initial design and build phase all the way through rehearsals and the main event. Plus, you'll jump in on sourcing and maintaining props, and prepping scenic elements, offering flexible support across the whole design department. If you're buzzing about theatre design and want to build serious practical skills in costume, wardrobe, props, and scenic support within a pro touring environment, this is your chance! This is a two-year fixed contract from your official start date.

Your Epic Responsibilities:

Wardrobe & Costume Squad:

• Help get costumes ready, keep them in tip-top shape, and make sure everything's organised. 👗
• Lend a hand with costume fittings, alterations, and tweaks (under supervision, of course!).
• Steam, clean, fix, and prep costume pieces for rehearsals and shows. ✨
• Assist with tracking costumes, ensuring continuity, and keeping documentation on point.
• Maintain wardrobe stock, storage, and keep those costume inventories updated.
• Be there for dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and production periods.
• Help pack, move, and set up costume equipment and costumes for touring shows. 🚚

Design Department Power-Up:

• Team up with the Head of Wardrobe Design on research, sourcing, and development.
• Support the creation of costume mood boards, reference materials, and production paperwork. 📊
• Handle admin tasks like talking to suppliers, tracking purchases, and managing stock.
• Be a sustainability champ by re-using, repairing, and adapting costume assets. 🌱

Props Master:

• Help source, buy, organise, and maintain rehearsal and show props. 🎨
• Prep and label props for rehearsals and productions.
• Support prop storage, inventory, and transportation.
• Assist with making, finishing, or modifying simple props (with guidance).
• Get hands-on with paints, sprays, and glues.

Scenic & Production Support Crew:

• Provide practical help within the scenic and theatrical design process.
• Support the prep, finishing, and maintenance of set elements when needed.
• Assist with workshops, build periods, installations, and get-ins/get-outs.
• Keep workspaces safe and super organised. 👷‍♀️

General Awesome Stuff:

• Follow all health and safety procedures – safety first! 💯
• Collaborate like a pro with everyone in design, technical, and production.
• Attend your apprenticeship training sessions and crush your coursework. 📚
• Be professional, reliable, and always keen to grow. 💪
• Represent Brighton College like the legend you are when working with clients, venues, and partners.

Who We're Looking For:

Must-Haves (Essential):

• A serious passion for theatre, live events, costume, or production design. 🔥
• Strong practical and creative skills.
• On-point organisational skills and a keen eye for detail. 👀
• A hunger to learn and take direction.
• A positive vibe and ability to be a total team player. 🤝
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-Haves (Desirable):

• Experience in drama, theatre, costume, textiles, art, design, or craft activities.
• Basic sewing or costume-making skills. 🧵
• Experience in prop making, model making, or scenic art.
• Knowledge of theatre production processes.

Hours:

This is an annualised hours role, meaning you'll work a set number of hours per year, averaging 40 hours per week across 37 weeks between January and December. Your weekly hours will be planned in advance and agreed with your line manager. Be prepared to work some evenings and weekends to support college events. 🌙

Pay:

£21,081.26 per year (based on an average of 40 hours per week across 37 weeks).

Holidays:

Included in your salary – all to be taken outside of working weeks. 🏖️

Perks:

• Complimentary lunch on us! 🥪
• Free tickets to our music, dance, and drama performances. 🎟️
• Job-specific learning and development opportunities.
• Life Cover after passing probation.
• Contributory pension scheme (employer matches up to 9%). 💰
• Employee benefit and discount platform.

Wellbeing Zone:

• Subsidised gym membership at the School of Science and Sport (yoga, Pilates, meditation, gym, pool). 🧘‍♀️
• Personalised health and wellbeing consultations.
• Generous sickness policy.
• Comprehensive wellbeing package.
• Access to books and magazines from the College Library. 📖

Safety First & Equal Opportunities:

Brighton College is all about safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect everyone to share this commitment. All offers are subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure, satisfactory references, and more. ✅

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, maintenance and organisation of costumes for productions.
• Support costume fittings, alterations and adjustments under supervision.
• Assist with sourcing, purchasing, organising and maintaining rehearsal and show props.
• Provide practical assistance within the scenic and theatrical design process.
• Attend apprenticeship training sessions and complete all associated coursework.

Skills