This is not the latest approved version of this apprenticeship. View the latest version
This apprenticeship has been retired
To support their organisation to identify costumes for short/long term performance plans and be responsible for the care, maintenance and usage of costumes, ensuring that all costume elements are at the standard of the designer’s specification.
This occupation is found in the production/technical department of theatres, dance/fashion productions or cultural organisations i.e. anywhere that a costume might be worn for a show e.g. music events/pop concerts/recitals/choirs/sports events/university events.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support their organisation to identify costumes for short/long term performance plans and be responsible for the care, maintenance and usage of costumes, ensuring that all costume elements are at the standard of the designer’s specification.
Costume Performance Technicians gather information to prepare costume running notes, costume lists and dressing requirements identifying performance running needs and demonstrating a clear overview of the project and its wardrobe needs. They work with performers such as actors, dancers, singers and models assigned to them by their manager, to prepare them for their performance by checking the fit of the costumes, dressing them, managing costume changes throughout each performance, noting and undertaking alterations and emergency repairs during a performance, laundering and maintaining costumes between performances.They sew, repair and refurbish costumes to maintain them as per their original design using appropriate methods of cleaning, laundering and ironing in order to maintain and protect fabrics in line with care requirements.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for establishing a safe working environment relative to the job in hand by ensuring Health and Safety compliance relating to equipment, products and people in line with strict regulations such as COSHH. There may be travel involved in the role of Costume Performance Technician.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with Costume Supervisors, Wardrobe Managers, Stage Managers, Designers, Fashion and artists. This includes other departments e.g. sound, make-up, lighting. External to their organisations, they may work with specialist fabric suppliers, dry cleaners and equipment organisations.They may work in a large organisation employing more than 1000 people or in a small organisation employing 50 people and may report to a General Manager, Head of Costume, Event Production Manager or Designer.
Level 3 and above apprenticeships
Level 3 and above apprenticeships Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
| Duty | KSBs |
|---|---|
|
Duty 1 Contribute to planning and organising the costume needs for upcoming projects at their organisation |
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K7 K8 K11 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S10 S13 S14 S15 S19 S21 S22 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S37 S38 S40 |
|
Duty 2 Assess all wardrobe requirements and identify dressing needs, costume lists, costume descriptions and packing lists. |
K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K13 K14 K15 K17 K20 K21 K23 K24 S2 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S21 S22 S23 S24 S32 S33 S34 S35 S36 S38 |
|
Duty 3 Manage and prioritise workloads to meet production deadlines |
|
|
Duty 4 Manage costume needs for a range of performers. |
K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K15 K23 K24 S2 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S22 S23 S31 S32 S34 S35 S36 S37 S39 |
|
Duty 5 Set dressing rooms and check-off costumes against the costume list. |
|
|
Duty 6 Plan and carry-out quick costumes changes during performances |
S3 S6 S7 S9 S10 S12 S13 S14 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S24 S25 S31 S34 S35 S36 S39 |
|
Duty 7 Ensure costumes meet production and design specifications by ensuring that they are worn correctly and that they are put on in the right order and with assistance if needed. |
K3 K4 K5 K7 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15 K17 K18 K23 K24 |
|
Duty 8 Identify the properties of fabric and construction of costume to choose the correct means to undertake/organise cleaning/ironing/steaming costumes |
K3 K5 K7 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K23 |
|
Duty 9 Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. under-study. This may include costume fit checking and changes to costumes. |
K2 K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K15 K16 K17 K20 K21 K23 K24 S3 S5 S6 S7 S10 S11 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S24 S25 S27 S31 S32 S34 S35 S36 S37 S38 S39 |
|
Duty 10 Make alterations and repairs to costume elements including accessories during and after each performance |
K3 K5 K7 K8 K9 K11 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18 K23 K24 |
|
Duty 11 Identify and/or liaise with external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or costume makers. |
S3 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S13 S21 S22 S26 S27 S28 S34 S36 S39 S40 |
|
Duty 12 Receive, store and return hired costumes for each production |
S3 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S12 S13 S16 S22 S23 S29 S30 S36 S38 S39 S40 |
|
Duty 13 Manage wardrobe stock lists and update costume records keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets keeping performer information confidential |
K3 K5 K6 K13 K14 K17 K19 K20 K21 K23 K24 K26 |
|
Duty 14 Pack, store and remove costumes from location to location; e.g. stage, dressing room to wardrobe hub to storage unit or returning to hire company. |
K2 K3 K5 K7 K19 K20 K21 K23 K24 K26 |
|
Duty 15 Maintain and replenish running wardrobe supplies |
|
|
Duty 16 Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets, staff contact details and emergency contact details |
K1 K2 K3 K5 K6 K20 K21 K23 K24 K25 K26 |
K1: The organisational structure, vision and purpose and how each department connects with one another and the interdependency within an organisation.
Back to Duty
K2: The key roles in the organisation and how they support each other’s success
Back to Duty
K3: Industry specific terminology
Back to Duty
K4: The creative vision for current and future projects
Back to Duty
K5: The significance and importance of your role to the success of the organisation and an understanding of the interdependency and the need to work logically together with other departments
Back to Duty
K6: Organisation Data Protection policy and the impact on your role
Back to Duty
K7: Health and safety legislation which will include HaSaWA, COSHH, PPE; Manual handling techniques; Company Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures and child protection guidelines
Back to Duty
K8: The requirements and purpose of running notes, costume lists and dressing plots
Back to Duty
K9: Costume fitting techniques taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer's body shape, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and recording of relevant information on completion
Back to Duty
K10: Dressing processes and benefits of order application e.g. make-up, wigs, mic. showing the importance of collaborative working processes and interdependency of departments
Back to Duty
K11: Contemporary and historical dress/style to ensure costume authenticity
Back to Duty
K12: Costume design principles as appropriate to their role
Back to Duty
K13: Research methods and approaches to support fabric and costume identification
Back to Duty
K14: The properties of fabrics and textiles used in costumes
Back to Duty
K15: The construction and fit of the garments to enable correct repairs, alterations and laundry
Back to Duty
K16: Machine and hand sewing techniques
Back to Duty
K17: Garment care and laundry techniques and processes to maintain them
Back to Duty
K18: Basic dyeing and costume breakdown techniques and accompanying H&S compliance
Back to Duty
K19: Costume packing techniques for storage while costumes are inactive in regard to avoidance of mold, moth etc. and related H&S considerations.
Back to Duty
K20: Organisation’s requirements for data storage, management, data protection and information systems.
Back to Duty
K21: The requirements and operation of the Organisation’s software and IT systems.
Back to Duty
K22: The Social Media Policy of the Organisation
Back to Duty
K23: Written and verbal communication techniques including content to engage with internal and external colleagues using shared theatre/ costume technical industry language understood by other departments and the industry.
Back to Duty
K24: The wardrobe needs of projects.
Back to Duty
K25: Organisational financial procedures including documentation used by other departments building/keeping processes in line.
Back to Duty
K26: Organisational administrative requirements e.g. timesheets and work rotas
Back to Duty
S1: Link their Organisation’s strategy to current and future projects
Back to Duty
S2: Produce timeline information to support long and short-term scheduling for performances
Back to Duty
S3: Ensure relevant information is visually available within the wardrobe room.
Back to Duty
S4: Produce and update staff contacts including emergency contacts
Back to Duty
S5: Work to the requirements of the Organisation’s Data Protection Policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects
Back to Duty
S6: Comply with all Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment
Back to Duty
S7: Plan for and safely move costumes as required
Back to Duty
S8: Safely pack up and unpack all costumes and wardrobe equipment
Back to Duty
S9: Keep all costumes and equipment tidy and secure
Back to Duty
S10: Undertake and work in accordance with risk assessments appropriate for the environment
Back to Duty
S11: Safely operate appropriate equipment e.g. sewing machines
Back to Duty
S12: Work at height when required by the environment
Back to Duty
S13: Identify performance and scheduling requirements to ensure costumes are available as required
Back to Duty
S14: Attend rehearsals and meetings to assess all wardrobe requirements
Back to Duty
S15: Compile dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists. These may be paper-based or electronic.
Back to Duty
S16: Check off costumes against the costume list and set in dressing areas as required/ Setting of costumes correctly and in correct location backstage and in dressing room.
Back to Duty
S17: Manage costume needs for a range of performers taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer's body shape, following child protection guidelines, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and safety requirements. This includes setting up and undertaking costume fittings and preparation; dress and undress performers at the start, during and at the end of events.
Back to Duty
S18: Identify and communicate costume requirements using appropriate language and tact, to performers e.g. sitting and eating restrictions
Back to Duty
S19: Ensure all quick costumes changes meet performance and H&S requirements and fitting etiquette.
Back to Duty
S20: Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. last-minute cast substitutions. This may include costume fittings and changes
Back to Duty
S21: Identify external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or makers
Back to Duty
S22: Identify and liaise with costume hire organisations to provide specialist costumes to meet requirements
Back to Duty
S23: Receive, store and return costumes on loan ensuring compliance with loan conditions
Back to Duty
S24: Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes in order to meet production specifications. This will include preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs.
Back to Duty
S25: Undertake alterations and repairs to costumes and shoes, which may include hand/machine sewing, during and after performances
Back to Duty
S26: Wash, iron and/or prepare costumes for dry cleaning
Back to Duty
S27: Plan costume refurbishment to maintain original appearance
Back to Duty
S28: Source broken/ missing items e.g. jewelry, this may include buying items
Back to Duty
S29: Ensure the correct removal, packing and storage of costumes in accordance with organisation and fabric requirements
Back to Duty
S30: Be aware of who will use and where the costume will be required next
Back to Duty
S31: Be discrete and keep artist information confidential
Back to Duty
S32: Update costume data base – keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets
Back to Duty
S33: Manage wardrobe stock lists including shoes and accessories using the agreed process.
Back to Duty
S34: Write and maintain clear running notes of all costumes allocated either on paper or electronically, They should include costume descriptions, costume changes, locations, pre-event notes, accessory lists and daily laundry requirements
Back to Duty
S35: Provide clear communication with other relevant departments Wigs hair and make-up/ sound department to ensure correct order of process
Back to Duty
S36: Show confidence, flexibility and tact when communicating with different stakeholders which may include freelance dressers, ensuring an appropriate use of language, terminology and when required, fitting etiquette.
Back to Duty
S37: Maintain stock of costume and running wardrobe supplies as required.
Back to Duty
S38: Manage external costume hire including payments
Back to Duty
S39: Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets on time
Back to Duty
S40: Follow Organisation’s financial processes for procurement of agreed good and services
Back to Duty
B1: Commitment and Confidence: consistently strives to achieve personal and organisational targets, take action to resolve day to day issues, receptive to new ideas and respond well to day-to-day challenges and determined to overcome obstacles
Back to Duty
B2: Problem solving: identifies and considers all possible options and provides sensible solutions to unexpected challenges
Back to Duty
B3: Be organised: works in a logical manner, preparing and keeping notes to ensure costumes are in the right place, at the right time, in the right condition
Back to Duty
B4: Be Proactive: positive, cooperative, receptive, flexible and resilient at all times. Prepared to work outside of one’s comfort zone, to undertake different tasks. A willingness to learn, adapt and be trained in new skills and approaches, and share learning
Back to Duty
B5: Team working: works as part of a team, taking on tasks with enthusiasm and working cooperatively with others (in a timely fashion). Has a clear understanding of the role they play in relation to other team members. Undertakes tasks confidently and resourcefully, supporting the team and/or line manager as required
Back to Duty
B6: Interpersonal skills: Flexible and cooperative attitude to others, establishes effective and appropriate working relationships and boundaries with co-workers and managers. Listens to and respects others views and opinions. Diplomatic and tactful at all times
Back to Duty
B7: Independent working: is pro-active and purposeful when working on their activities, applies the appropriate knowledge. Seeks support when it is needed from line-manager and reports changes and concerns at all times.
Back to Duty
B8: Time-Management and Planning; identifies and develops a plan to work within time constraints
Back to Duty
B9: Attention to detail: applies rigor and attention to detail in all tasks.
Back to Duty
B10: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes equality and diversity by treating all colleagues, visitors and members of the public with respect, tolerance and dignity at all times
Back to Duty
B11: Emotional intelligence and resilience: manages interpersonal relationships with patience and empathy. Deals positively with challenges and adverse situations. Open to receiving feedback and demonstrate actions taken in relation to it.
Back to Duty
B12: Work under pressure: works well in a multi-tasking environment. Conscious of other departments and artists who may also be working under pressures. There may be constraints outside their control or unforeseen changes or problems to deal with.
Back to Duty
3
15
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Occupational standard, End-point assessment plan and funding band revised. | 18/10/2023 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 09/11/2020 | 17/10/2023 |
Crown copyright © 2024. You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence