Job Details

The National Theatre presents an eclectic mix of new plays and classics. Over the year we create around 22 productions and aim to reflect the diversity of our culture on the stages.

Every day we strive to make the world a better place through theatre; entertaining and inspiring audiences around the world, using our creativity, expertise and unique reach.

The Trainee Textile Artist will be a recent graduate from a costume, textile, tech effects, background or related subjects. The role will be based within our newly refurbished Textile Studio of the Costume Production department and so will be a unique opportunity to develop the skills they have already learnt and to build on this knowledge through working with highly experienced technicians within the dynamic Costume production department of the National Theatre. We also have a recently planted Dye and wellness garden which will be a part of the role and there will training in natural dying process’.

The Production Costume team work directly with the Running Wardrobe department who hold the vital role of supporting the shows onto the stages and throughout their run and comprise of the Head of Running Wardrobe and their team of three Wardrobe supervisors plus technicians and dressers. 

All areas of the Production Costume department are based at the South Bank across the 4th and 5th floors of the NT and they interconnect daily through the need of an element of costume often needing to pass through each area of the department in order to be ready for the stages. Information is carefully shared throughout the team electronically and updated regularly with strong administrative support within the department.

• To be a recent graduate in Costume/Textiles or related subject or have a relevant level of experience in a Costume or Textiles, theatre or film-based environment.
• To have an excellent eye for colour and the ability to clearly visualize in the three dimentional.
• To have a good understanding of historical costumes
• To have a good understanding of Textile properties.
• Basic experience of using a variety of tools and equipment necessary for the job.