Costume technician - stage and screen

This occupation can be found in production and technical departments of theatres, television, film, dance and fashion productions and cultural organisations. This occupation runs across a range of sectors, where a costume might be worn, such as music events, pop concerts, recitals, choirs, sports events, university events.

The duties of a costume technician can be varied due to the nature of the sector and technicians would need to be able to adapt to the requirements of the setting.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide support relating to the care, maintenance and dressing of cast or performers in costumes in a production environment.

The role typically involves the washing, ironing, steaming, repairing, setting, checking and dressing of costumes used on performers.  They will work with a variety of other performance related departments and require a high level of understanding of the detail within work documentation to ensure continuity of costume wear - for example costume character profiles and costume plotting.

They make sure the outfits are ready for the actors and performers and help by making simple alterations, if required. Or they might be asked to collect garments and supplies or complete returns.

They are likely to help with setting up workrooms and may help with the ageing and distressing of costumes. They may be given specific responsibility for crowd fittings or packing costumes for overseas shipment to other locations or units.

This is an active role which requires technicians to be flexible and responsive to production or performance needs. For example - fastening intricate costumes, moving backstage during a performance in tight timeframes or moving costumes around. 

This role can be found in a range of organisations such as theatres. They support productions such as plays, opera, ballet or musicals that can be long running or short-term productions.  They can also be found at large scale events such as opening and closing ceremonies in sports, fashion shows, commercials and film and television.

They will work alongside and interact with a range of production staff such as wardrobe managers, costume supervisors, costume makers, designers, stage managers, stylists, sound departments, wigs, hair and make-up technicians, script supervisors and continuity teams.  Performers such as actors, dancers, singers and models are assigned to costume technician by their supervisor to support from a costume or wardrobe perspective before, during and after the performance.

They work in organisations ranging from small to large. The nature of the creative sector means that this can vary considerably as can contract lengths.

They will work under the instruction of a supervisor and are required to follow delegated tasks completing given work independently.  They will take responsibility for the costumes of an assigned group of performers or cast and  their agreed costumes.  

They will work as part of a team but take full responsibility for their assigned tasks.  They must take into account deadlines, health and safety and professional ethics and sustainability within a specific environment and be confident in reporting any issues. 

Out of hours working and travel may be required as part of the role.