We are looking for a Costume Supervisor to join the National Theatre Production Costume Team on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.
Tapping into the wealth of experience and talent within the building can help ensure a smooth transition from creative idea to reality on stage. It is incumbent on the costume supervisor to ensure the artistic vision is achieved within the resource allocated to the production and that this is done safely, conscientiously with regard to the environment, and to a high standard. It is important that an open and trusting relationship is developed between the costume supervisor and their artistic team.
The costume supervisor will be assigned shows over the year, working in all three of our theatre spaces. They will begin work on a show several months prior to rehearsals, communicating with their production manager, the designer and head of production costume around the design of the show, attending pre-meetings and completing a costing. Once the rehearsal process begins the costume supervisor takes the lead in interpreting the costume designers' creative vision within the constraints of the show budget and the time available. They will manage a wide-ranging budget, depending on the ambitions of the production, delegate instructions to the costume production team and external makers/ contractors where necessary. They respond to changes arising from the rehearsal room and leading into the tech they will develop a strong relationship with their running wardrobe team who will support the transition from rehearsal to stage.
In addition to this the role takes line management responsibility for permanent buyers within the team: 1 x assistant costume supervisor, 1x department buyer, 1 x trainee and fixed term contract buyers as well as offering guidance and support to our freelance costume supervisors who join us on a show-by-show basis.
The successful candidate will have the following:
- A highly creative, efficient and organised person with excellent relevant experience as a Costume Supervisor on a wide range of theatre productions.
- Demonstrable experience of working at a management level or supervising within the Costume or creative industry.
- Excellent communication skills
- Financially adept with experience of submitting records of financial transactions and issuing purchase orders is essential
- A strong understanding of IT systems, excellent IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, online platforms) in order to build all our NT digital files with text and imagery.
If that sounds like you, this may be the role for you!
Download the Job Description here.
Working with us will give you..
- Complimentary staff tickets for shows and guided tours, subject to availability and policy
- 25 days annual leave increasing up to 32 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Development Programmes via e-learning platform, and specialist in-person training relating to role
- Access to interest-free season ticket loan and cycle scheme partnership
- Enhanced sick pay
- Family Friendly policies including Family leave and Support leave
- Family-friendly employer – we are a member of Parents and Carers in the Performing Arts (PiPA)
- Pension schemes with Legal & General and NEST
- Sabbatical option, subject to agreement and policy
- On-site staff canteen and social facilities
- On-site occupational health support
- In-house mental health and wellbeing advisors providing workplace counselling and support
- Wellbeing programme of events, including mental health awareness, financial wellbeing, skills sharing and opportunities to get active
- Exclusive staff talks to hear more about NT productions, past and present, from leading practitioners
- Discounted access to National Theatre at Home
- Volunteer leave – one paid day per year to volunteer for your chosen charity
- Discounts in the NT’s bars, cafés, restaurants, and bookshop, as well as in local businesses (from Wagamama to gyms), on and around the South Bank
- Access to retailer discounted gift cards and a cash-back-on-spending card
Please note
The closing date for the receipt of a completed application is Monday 8th September 2025 at 12 noon.
At the National Theatre (NT), we support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do.
In line with our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), we recognise that we need to address underrepresentation in our organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals who are part of global majority, disabled and LGBTQ+ communities, and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
We strive to promote inclusive and equitable practices in all areas of the NT. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meet our minimum requirements for our vacancies.
If you would like to speak to someone about any adjustments or have any questions about the recruitment process, you can email recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk or call us on 02074523834.