PURPOSE
To lead and Head the Wardrobe Maintenance Department for the RSC's productions On Tour and in Residencies and to provide a smooth running wardrobe department for the tour/residency's performances and rehearsals as required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• To work in a co-operative and collaborative manner with the Production Manager, Costume Supervisor, and all project staff and Creative Teams in establishing and executing the wardrobe needs of the residency both in rehearsal, and performance.
• To maintain budgetary control with the Production Manager on given areas of responsibility.
• To carry out preliminary and preparatory work for the tour/residency.
• To supervise all work in line with all Health and Safety legislation.
• To ensure that relevant costume requirements and dressing needs are met in an efficient, effective, flexible and friendly manner at all times.
• To oversee and participate in the running of performances and rehearsals and in particular the duties of the Dressers.
• To assist in the effective and safe running of all areas of a get-in and a get-out.
• To ensure that all wardrobe related work is carried out within the time constraint set and to advise on time to be scheduled and any deviation from that schedule.
• To manage time efficiently and within the Working Time regulations and the RSC's Working Time Policy.
• To maintain a safe working environment.
• To undertake the training of the local crew in the installation, maintenance and running of the production.
• To ensure that the artistic integrity of the costume design is continuously delivered throughout the Production's life.
• To keep all wardrobe running and cue sheets up to date and backed up, and generate and maintain all paper work necessary for the smooth running of the project and potential transfers where appropriate.
• To take responsibility for any RSC wardrobe machinery as required and to undertake in the training and safe operation of such equipment.
• To respond to and co-operate with the needs of the Company and Stage Management to enable a positive and supportive solution to relevant problems.
• To work in a co-operative and collaborative manner with all staff within and outside of production areas
• The procurement and maintenance of adequate stocks of consumables.
• Oversee remakes as necessary as agreed with the Production Manager.
• To attend Production meetings, respond to show reports and generally assume responsibility for the running of the wardrobe on residency in all venues.
• To assist with the wardrobe and costume needs for other projects, working hours permitting.
• Any tasks appropriate to this role as required.
• To undertake work on any project in any venue within the scope of the job description.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
• To maintain a knowledge and awareness of current Health and Safety legislation and other legal requirements affecting the area of responsibility and to ensure that all work is carried out in keeping with RSC policy and procedures.
• To implement and maintain effective Health and Safety controls, to ensure safe and reliable operation of all Running Wardrobe equipment and correct Health and Safety practices.
• To carry out with risk assessments, both on a generic departmental basis and for specific projects as necessary.

GENERAL
• To keep the Production Manager informed at all times of issues relating to areas of responsibility.
• To attend production, planning and other meetings and notes sessions as required.
• To respond to show reports and generally assume responsibility for the management of the Running Wardrobe area on designated projects.
• To undertake the procurement and maintenance of adequate stocks of consumables, tools and equipment for the efficient running of the department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the employee may be required to perform duties outside of this brief as is operationally required and at the discretion of their line manager.

ATTRIBUTES
EXPERIENCE
• Experience as Wardrobe Mistress/Master at a similar professional level.

ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTES
• A broad knowledge and understanding of Costume Maintenance and Costume-related disciplines and of Health and Safety legislation and procedures and its implications in the Running Wardrobe environment
• A broad knowledge of costume and period.
• Excellent hand and machine sewing skills.
• The ability to work on one's own initiative and within a team
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational and planning skills.
• Friendly and approachable manner. Co-operation and adaptability will be key ingredients.
• Pro-active and flexible approach to work. The applicant must have the ability to work within a small team who will inevitably spend much working time together as a close knit group
• Good communication with local crew.
• Basic IT skills using Microsoft Office packages

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES
• Previous touring experience- desirable but not essential.
• Responsive to artistic needs.
• Knowledge of basic sewing machine maintenance.
• An understanding and appreciation of other theatrical technical departments.