The RSC is looking for an experienced Costume Painter and Dyer to join the team, responsibilities will include dyeing, printing, painting and decorating fabrics and costumes to age and break down the garments using a variety of techniques.

Duties will include:

• Dyeing, printing, painting and decorating fabrics and costumes.
• Ageing and breaking down garments using a variety of techniques.
• Producing samples and swatches as required by the Head of Costume Painting & Dyeing.
• Keeping accurate records of dye recipes and processes.

The ideal candidate will have either a BTEC, HND or degree in Theatre Costume or Art and Design or an equivalent qualification, together with, substantial practical experience of painting and dyeing fabrics and costumes. Strong skills and knowledge in the following related disciplines are also essential for this role:

• Costume painting and dyeing.
• Hand and machine sewing skills.
• Costume Fitting and procedures.
• Fabric types and associated maintenance.
• Alternation and refurbishment techniques.
• The safe use and maintenance of relevant workshop machinery.

We are looking for someone with a strong appreciation of costume and experience of managing theatre costume requirements in an artistic environment. You must be confident, able to work effectively within a small and busy team and be responsive to artistic needs. You will fit right in if you are a positive, friendly and approachable person, who brings a solution orientated approach and the ability to work under pressure and changing timescales.

It is an exciting time to join the RSC as we embark on reopening to deliver our Summer season in the new Lydia and Manfred Gorvy Garden Theatre, gear up for our Autumn/Winter show, The Magician's Elephant, and deliver the many other activities that we have programmed.

The Costume Workshop is currently operating under robust Covid-19 protocols, when required full PPE will be provided.

This is a full-time, permanent position based in our brand new, purpose-built Costume Workshop in Stratford-upon-Avon. Please note that as part of the RSC's commitment to recovery from the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the working hours and salary for this role, alongside many others, have been temporarily reduced to 80% of the full-time rate, which is £24,215 per annum, pro-rata for the duration of contract. This means that the hours on joining will be averaged over a 13-week rolling period to be 38 hours per week, to be worked between Monday to Friday, although occasional weekend work will be required. This will be reviewed in December 2021, with the intention of returning to full-time hours (44) and salary if the circumstances at the time allow.

All applications should be made online using the RSC website.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusion, ambition and innovation. We act with respect, show leadership and build resilient ways of working in all our activities.

We aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.