Wardrobe at the Almeida Theatre
The Almeida’s Wardrobe Department is currently made up of two full-time members of staff: one permanent Wardrobe Supervisor and one Wardrobe Deputy on a fixed-term contract. Other staff are employed freelance on a show-by-show basis.
Background
For 11 months of the year there is always one show on stage and at least one show in rehearsal. We produce a wide variety of plays at the Almeida which require a wide variety of costume. While some shows have small casts of 5-6 actors and use modern dress, other shows can have more than 20 actors with 5 or 6 costumes each, all of them in period dress with corsets and wigs. Period shows with large casts and multiple costume changes create a lot of work in terms of maintenance but often just in having many people back stage at a time. There are only four dressing rooms at the Almeida so things can get quite cosy.
The Costumes and the Store
Both the Costume Supervisor and the Deputy can make costumes, but often there is not enough time or space to do this. Freelance Costume Makers are employed or costumes may be hired or bought. The Wardrobe Department make smaller items and accessories and make any alterations. Occasionally the Wardrobe Department also make sewn props or items for dressing the set.
The Wardrobe Department is also responsible for the theatre's Costume Store, which is located at our administrative offices on Upper Street. All
costumes that have been bought or made for a production are stored there, and are sometimes hired out to other theatres on an informal basis. The Costume Store is also used by the Projects Department who produce fully staged performances for schools and community groups, and other workshops and events tied to main stage productions.
Job Roles: Who Does What
Permanent Staff
Wardrobe Supervisor
The Wardrobe Supervisor oversees the day-to-day running of the Wardrobe Department. They endeavour to make sure the costumes look as good at the end of a run as they did at the beginning. They have a lot of contact with the actors and will help dress them if necessary, and do quick changes during the performance. They work closely with the Costume Supervisor during a show's rehearsal period, and are responsible for the Wardrobe Deputy and any Dressers who are working on the show currently in performance.
Wardrobe Deputy
The Wardrobe Deputy assists the Wardrobe Supervisor, usually concentrating on the production which is on stage. They will do daily show laundry and costume maintenance, and also help to dress the actors and carry out quick costume changes.
Freelance Staff
Designer
The Designer is employed for a particular show and is responsible for the look of the whole production. They work closely with the Director, and produce scale models and technical drawings for the scenery, and costume drawings and visual reference for the costumes. They have the final say over any object or costume that appears on stage as to how it should look.
Costume Supervisor
The Costume Supervisor is also employed freelance for a particular show, and their job is to work with the Designer to source the costumes. They organise freelance Costume Makers, deal with costume hire companies, and manage the costume budget. They also shop for fabrics, shoes, and other costume accessories. They have to ensure all the costumes are delivered on time and within budget, and meet the Designer's requirements. They are generally employed from just before rehearsals start until Press Night.
Costume Makers, Milliners & Wig Makers
These are all freelance staff, and usually work from home or in their own studio. They work from the Designer’s drawings and make whatever is required, usually with materials provided by the Costume Supervisor. They will then bring what they make to the theatre to be fitted on the actor, and the Designer and Costume Supervisor will decide on any changes that need to be made. The maker then finishes the item and delivers it in time for the final technical rehearsal.
Dressers
Dressers are employed on a freelance basis to assist with costumes on a busy show. Their job is to ensure actors can do their quick costume changes in time to get back on stage! They will also report any problems with the costumes to the Wardrobe Supervisor/Deputy to ensure they are mended ready for the next performance.
Wig/Hair Supervisor
If a lot of wigs are required on a show a freelance wig maker is employed either to make or to supply them. They work with the Costume Supervisor and the Designer. They usually come in late afternoon to re-set the wigs ready for that evening’s performance. They will then put the actors into their wigs and do any hair styling for those not wearing wigs. They stay for the show, carrying out any changes of wig/hairstyle and occasionally assist with costume changes. They may also help with applying specialist make-up like blood or bruising.
Make-Up
We do not have anyone solely responsible for make-up on our shows. Usually the actors will apply their own, with visual reference material provided by the Designer if a specific look is required. For special effects such as blood, bruising or wounds, the Wig Supervisor or Wardrobe staff will help. It is very unusual to have a member of staff dedicated to doing make-up on a show. The exception might be on a large West End production where there are many actors with complex make-up effects to achieve. Film and TV offer more opportunities if you want to specialise in make-up.
Work Experience & Placements
We take students on work experience placements, usually one at a time for three weeks, running from the week preceding tech week up to Press Night of a particular show.
Generally students are on degree-level courses, often in Theatre Design, Costume Design, Costume Construction, or Technical Theatre Courses specialising in costume. Recently we have had students from RADA, Rose Bruford, Wimbledon School of Art, and the London College of Fashion. We also consider placements for 6th Form students who may be considering pursuing a degree in costume design or technical theatre.
Please note that the some evening work may be required.
If you are interested in a work placement please send a CV and covering letter (including an e-mail address and telephone number) explaining why you want to work for the Almeida and when you are available to:
Catrina Richardson,
Wardrobe Supervisor,
Almeida Theatre,
Almeida Street ,
London
N1 1TA
Unfortunately we cannot accept anyone under 16 due to the Almeida’s Child Protection Policy.
Jobs at the Almeida
All available jobs are advertised on the website. If you are seeking employment you are strongly advised to keep an eye on any developments. Should you wish to submit a speculative application please send a CV and covering letter with an e-mail address and telephone number.