Purpose of job

To play a key role in a team of dedicated and talented technical professionals, who work collaboratively across the theatre and with creative teams, to deliver excellence in bringing five to six world class main productions to The Old Vic stage, alongside an innovative and industry-leading Additional Programming schedule.

The Deputy Head of Wardrobe is based at the theatre and will work closely with and deputise for the Head of Wardrobe at The Old Vic as needed. The post requires an active involvement in the setting up of shows including fit-ups, get-outs, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and weekly show cover.

The Deputy Head of Wardrobe manages the freelance and casual staff

As well as providing support to current projects, the Deputy Head of Wardrobe provides support and information in advance to future projects, and continued support to past projects.

The Team

The Deputy Head of Wardrobe reports to, and will assist, the Head of Wardrobe to line manage casual and freelance staff employed as production workers and/or show staff. The Deputy Head of Wardrobe works closely with the Head of Wardrobe, Director of Production, and General management team to ensure costumes are presented and maintained to a high standard throughout the run of the production.

Areas of responsibility

The Deputy Head of Wardrobe will be responsible for:

Key Responsibilities
• Assist with running the Wardrobe department and ensure high standards of support for creative teams during the production process.
• Play an active role in the running of shows, staff supervision and undertaking cues as and when required.
• Work as required on the pre-production set up and running of productions either at the Old Vic or at other venues throughout the UK and the world as required.
• Ensure that all owned and hired costume and equipment is used and maintained to a high standard.
• Work on performances including laundry, maintenance, set up and dressing as required.

Production & Administration
• Deputize for the Head of Wardrobe in their absence.
• Liaise with performers and stage management on all Wardrobe related matters to ensure that problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure that Costumes are maintained to a high standard.
• Attend first day of rehearsal, production, technical, and attend and participate in staff/team meetings as and when required.
• Work get in, production periods, and get outs as required.
• Work as and when required on outside hire events programmed on stage or in the auditorium.
• Support the rehearsal and production process as required.

Departmental Management
• With the Head of Wardrobe, organise and distribute the weekly staffing rota.
• With the Head of Wardrobe, recruit and induct casual and freelance staff as and when required.
• In the Head of Wardrobe's absence, complete and submit time sheets for department staff and ensure that no unauthorised overtime is incurred and that breaks are adhered to in accordance with the team's contracts of employment or the SOLT/BECTU agreement as appropriate.
• Produce and maintain performance and department related paperwork for running, archive, maintenance and health and safety purposes.
• Mentor and coach junior members of the costume / wardrobe staff to develop skills and knowledge.

Budgets and Finance
• In the Head of Wardrobe's absence, assist the Head of Production in setting maintenance and show budgets and obtaining costings for specific projects.
• Be familiar and act in accordance with the Theatre's accounting and ordering procedures.

Education and Community
• Work on Education and Community team productions as and when the schedule allows and as agreed.

Health & Safety
• Attend departmental Health & Safety meetings and Health & Safety Committee meetings to deputise for Head of Wardrobe as required.
• With the Head of Wardrobe, take responsibility for Health and Safety in all aspects of the work of the Wardrobe department.
• Ensure good housekeeping is maintained in all work and storage areas and work with other departments to ensure all technical areas are clear and well organised.
• With the Head of Wardrobe and Director of Production, carry out risk assessments for all activities undertaken by the Wardrobe department or under the Wardrobe department's control.
• Report any unsafe practices, incidents or concerns regarding health and safety to the Head of Wardrobe or the Production Director.
• Comply with all Health and Safety requirements implemented by the management and ensure that all staff working for the department work in accordance with risk assessments and health and safety instructions.
• Be familiar with the theatre's emergency and evacuation/invacuation procedures.

General
• Undertake training courses as may be required by the management to improve Health and Safety and skills base.
• Provide support for touch tours, liaising with Theatre Management.
• Work as and when required on external events / Sunday hires.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the Theatre's management may, at any time, allocate other tasks which are of a similar nature or level.

Person Specification

Essential
• A dynamic attitude and a clear vision for producing high-class theatre.
• Experience of working in a Wardrobe department for a producing theatre, taking a lead role during setting up, techs, and running shows.
• Strong practical skills with experience of costume construction.
• Excellent problem-solving and lateral thinking skills with outstanding attention to detail.
• Good IT literacy.
• Clear understanding of current health and safety legislation
• Experience of managing, training and delegating casual wardrobe staff
• Flexible attitude to working hours as evening, weekend and occasional overnight work will be required.
• The ability to work with tact and diplomacy
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to establish costume dressing plots, backstage areas, and dressing rooms
• Excellent hand and machine sewing skills.
• Knowledge of clothing construction/pattern making
• Knowledge of textiles in order to correctly maintain, or to dye, or break down
• High level of maintaining, repairing, and altering costumes
• Work collaboratively with Costume Supervisors and Designers
• Have initiative to work alone, and within a team
• High level of interpersonal skills, with a friendly and approachable manner.
• An understanding of other departments within the theatre, and ability to collaborate with them when needed
• Ability to problem solve creatively during busy periods