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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Duty 3 Manage and prioritise workloads to meet production deadlines |
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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 |
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Duty 5 Set dressing rooms and check-off costumes against the costume list. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Duty 15 Maintain and replenish running wardrobe supplies |
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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.
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K2: The key roles in the organisation and how they support each other’s success
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K3: Industry specific terminology
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K4: The creative vision for current and future projects
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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
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K6: Organisation Data Protection policy and the impact on your role
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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
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K8: The requirements and purpose of running notes, costume lists and dressing plots
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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
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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
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K11: Contemporary and historical dress/style to ensure costume authenticity
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K12: Costume design principles as appropriate to their role
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K13: Research methods and approaches to support fabric and costume identification
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K14: The properties of fabrics and textiles used in costumes
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K15: The construction and fit of the garments to enable correct repairs, alterations and laundry
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K16: Machine and hand sewing techniques
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K17: Garment care and laundry techniques and processes to maintain them
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K18: Basic dyeing and costume breakdown techniques and accompanying H&S compliance
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K19: Costume packing techniques for storage while costumes are inactive in regard to avoidance of mold, moth etc. and related H&S considerations.
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K20: Organisation’s requirements for data storage, management, data protection and information systems.
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K21: The requirements and operation of the Organisation’s software and IT systems.
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K22: The Social Media Policy of the Organisation
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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.
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K24: The wardrobe needs of projects.
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K25: Organisational financial procedures including documentation used by other departments building/keeping processes in line.
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K26: Organisational administrative requirements e.g. timesheets and work rotas
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S1: Link their Organisation’s strategy to current and future projects
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S2: Produce timeline information to support long and short-term scheduling for performances
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S3: Ensure relevant information is visually available within the wardrobe room.
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S4: Produce and update staff contacts including emergency contacts
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S5: Work to the requirements of the Organisation’s Data Protection Policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects
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S6: Comply with all Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment
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S7: Plan for and safely move costumes as required
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S8: Safely pack up and unpack all costumes and wardrobe equipment
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S9: Keep all costumes and equipment tidy and secure
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S10: Undertake and work in accordance with risk assessments appropriate for the environment
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S11: Safely operate appropriate equipment e.g. sewing machines
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S12: Work at height when required by the environment
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S13: Identify performance and scheduling requirements to ensure costumes are available as required
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S14: Attend rehearsals and meetings to assess all wardrobe requirements
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S15: Compile dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists. These may be paper-based or electronic.
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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.
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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.
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S18: Identify and communicate costume requirements using appropriate language and tact, to performers e.g. sitting and eating restrictions
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S19: Ensure all quick costumes changes meet performance and H&S requirements and fitting etiquette.
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S20: Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. last-minute cast substitutions. This may include costume fittings and changes
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S21: Identify external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or makers
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S22: Identify and liaise with costume hire organisations to provide specialist costumes to meet requirements
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S23: Receive, store and return costumes on loan ensuring compliance with loan conditions
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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.
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S25: Undertake alterations and repairs to costumes and shoes, which may include hand/machine sewing, during and after performances
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S26: Wash, iron and/or prepare costumes for dry cleaning
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S27: Plan costume refurbishment to maintain original appearance
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S28: Source broken/ missing items e.g. jewelry, this may include buying items
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S29: Ensure the correct removal, packing and storage of costumes in accordance with organisation and fabric requirements
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S30: Be aware of who will use and where the costume will be required next
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S31: Be discrete and keep artist information confidential
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S32: Update costume data base – keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets
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S33: Manage wardrobe stock lists including shoes and accessories using the agreed process.
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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
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S35: Provide clear communication with other relevant departments Wigs hair and make-up/ sound department to ensure correct order of process
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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.
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S37: Maintain stock of costume and running wardrobe supplies as required.
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S38: Manage external costume hire including payments
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S39: Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets on time
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S40: Follow Organisation’s financial processes for procurement of agreed good and services
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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
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B2: Problem solving: identifies and considers all possible options and provides sensible solutions to unexpected challenges
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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B8: Time-Management and Planning; identifies and develops a plan to work within time constraints
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B9: Attention to detail: applies rigor and attention to detail in all tasks.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.
| 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 |
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