Costume performance technician

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: The organisational structure, vision and purpose and how each department connects with one another and the interdependency within an organisation. Back to Duty

K2: The key roles in the organisation and how they support each other’s success Back to Duty

K3: Industry specific terminology Back to Duty

K4: The creative vision for current and future projects Back to Duty

K5: The significance and importance of your role to the success of the organisation and an understanding of the interdependency and the need to work logically together with other departments Back to Duty

K6: Organisation Data Protection policy and the impact on your role Back to Duty

K7: Health and safety legislation which will include HaSaWA, COSHH, PPE; Manual handling techniques; Company Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures and child protection guidelines Back to Duty

K8: The requirements and purpose of running notes, costume lists and dressing plots Back to Duty

K9: Costume fitting techniques taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer’s body shape, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and recording of relevant information on completion Back to Duty

K10: Dressing processes and benefits of order application e.g. make-up, wigs, mic. showing the importance of collaborative working processes and interdependency of departments Back to Duty

K11: Contemporary and historical dress/style to ensure costume authenticity Back to Duty

K12: Costume design principles as appropriate to their role Back to Duty

K13: Research methods and approaches to support fabric and costume identification Back to Duty

K14: The properties of fabrics and textiles used in costumes Back to Duty

K15: The construction and fit of the garments to enable correct repairs, alterations and laundry Back to Duty

K16: Machine and hand sewing techniques Back to Duty

K17: Garment care and laundry techniques and processes to maintain them Back to Duty

K18: Basic dyeing and costume breakdown techniques and accompanying H&S compliance Back to Duty

K19: Costume packing techniques for storage while costumes are inactive in regard to avoidance of mold, moth etc. and related H&S considerations. Back to Duty

K20: Organisation’s requirements for data storage, management, data protection and information systems. Back to Duty

K21: The requirements and operation of the Organisation’s software and IT systems. Back to Duty

K22: The Social Media Policy of the Organisation Back to Duty

K23: Written and verbal communication techniques including content to engage with internal and external colleagues using shared theatre/ costume technical industry language understood by other departments and the industry. Back to Duty

K24: The wardrobe needs of projects. Back to Duty

K25: Organisational financial procedures including documentation used by other departments building/keeping processes in line. Back to Duty

K26: Organisational administrative requirements e.g. timesheets and work rotas Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Link their Organisation’s strategy to current and future projects Back to Duty

S2: Produce timeline information to support long and short-term scheduling for performances Back to Duty

S3: Ensure relevant information is visually available within the wardrobe room. Back to Duty

S4: Produce and update staff contacts including emergency contacts Back to Duty

S5: Work to the requirements of the Organisation’s Data Protection Policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects Back to Duty

S6: Comply with all Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment Back to Duty

S7: Plan for and safely move costumes as required Back to Duty

S8: Safely pack up and unpack all costumes and wardrobe equipment Back to Duty

S9: Keep all costumes and equipment tidy and secure Back to Duty

S10: Undertake and work in accordance with risk assessments appropriate for the environment Back to Duty

S11: Safely operate appropriate equipment e.g. sewing machines Back to Duty

S12: Work at height when required by the environment Back to Duty

S13: Identify performance and scheduling requirements to ensure costumes are available as required Back to Duty

S14: Attend rehearsals and meetings to assess all wardrobe requirements Back to Duty

S15: Compile dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists. These may be paper-based or electronic. Back to Duty

S16: Check off costumes against the costume list and set in dressing areas as required/ Setting of costumes correctly and in correct location backstage and in dressing room. Back to Duty

S17: Manage costume needs for a range of performers taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer’s body shape, following child protection guidelines, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and safety requirements. This includes setting up and undertaking costume fittings and preparation; dress and undress performers at the start, during and at the end of events. Back to Duty

S18: Identify and communicate costume requirements using appropriate language and tact, to performers e.g. sitting and eating restrictions Back to Duty

S19: Ensure all quick costumes changes meet performance and H&S requirements and fitting etiquette. Back to Duty

S20: Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. last-minute cast substitutions. This may include costume fittings and changes Back to Duty

S21: Identify external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or makers Back to Duty

S22: Identify and liaise with costume hire organisations to provide specialist costumes to meet requirements Back to Duty

S23: Receive, store and return costumes on loan ensuring compliance with loan conditions Back to Duty

S24: Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes in order to meet production specifications. This will include preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs. Back to Duty

S25: Undertake alterations and repairs to costumes and shoes, which may include hand/machine sewing, during and after performances Back to Duty

S26: Wash, iron and/or prepare costumes for dry cleaning Back to Duty

S27: Plan costume refurbishment to maintain original appearance Back to Duty

S28: Source broken/ missing items e.g. jewelry, this may include buying items Back to Duty

S29: Ensure the correct removal, packing and storage of costumes in accordance with organisation and fabric requirements Back to Duty

S30: Be aware of who will use and where the costume will be required next Back to Duty

S31: Be discrete and keep artist information confidential Back to Duty

S32: Update costume data base – keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets Back to Duty

S33: Manage wardrobe stock lists including shoes and accessories using the agreed process. Back to Duty

S34: Write and maintain clear running notes of all costumes allocated either on paper or electronically, They should include costume descriptions, costume changes, locations, pre-event notes, accessory lists and daily laundry requirements Back to Duty

S35: Provide clear communication with other relevant departments Wigs hair and make-up/ sound department to ensure correct order of process Back to Duty

S36: Show confidence, flexibility and tact when communicating with different stakeholders which may include freelance dressers, ensuring an appropriate use of language, terminology and when required, fitting etiquette. Back to Duty

S37: Maintain stock of costume and running wardrobe supplies as required. Back to Duty

S38: Manage external costume hire including payments Back to Duty

S39: Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets on time Back to Duty

S40: Follow Organisation’s financial processes for procurement of agreed good and services Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Commitment and Confidence: consistently strives to achieve personal and organisational targets, take action to resolve day to day issues, receptive to new ideas and respond well to day-to-day challenges and determined to overcome obstacles Back to Duty

B2: Problem solving: identifies and considers all possible options and provides sensible solutions to unexpected challenges Back to Duty

B3: Be organised: works in a logical manner, preparing and keeping notes to ensure costumes are in the right place, at the right time, in the right condition Back to Duty

B4: Be Proactive: positive, cooperative, receptive, flexible and resilient at all times. Prepared to work outside of one’s comfort zone, to undertake different tasks. A willingness to learn, adapt and be trained in new skills and approaches, and share learning Back to Duty

B5: Team working: works as part of a team, taking on tasks with enthusiasm and working cooperatively with others (in a timely fashion). Has a clear understanding of the role they play in relation to other team members. Undertakes tasks confidently and resourcefully, supporting the team and/or line manager as required Back to Duty

B6: Interpersonal skills: Flexible and cooperative attitude to others, establishes effective and appropriate working relationships and boundaries with co-workers and managers. Listens to and respects others views and opinions. Diplomatic and tactful at all times Back to Duty

B7: Independent working: is pro-active and purposeful when working on their activities, applies the appropriate knowledge. Seeks support when it is needed from line-manager and reports changes and concerns at all times. Back to Duty

B8: Time-Management and Planning; identifies and develops a plan to work within time constraints Back to Duty

B9: Attention to detail: applies rigor and attention to detail in all tasks. Back to Duty

B10: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes equality and diversity by treating all colleagues, visitors and members of the public with respect, tolerance and dignity at all times Back to Duty

B11: Emotional intelligence and resilience: manages interpersonal relationships with patience and empathy. Deals positively with challenges and adverse situations. Open to receiving feedback and demonstrate actions taken in relation to it. Back to Duty

B12: Work under pressure: works well in a multi-tasking environment. Conscious of other departments and artists who may also be working under pressures. There may be constraints outside their control or unforeseen changes or problems to deal with. Back to Duty