We are looking for a Trainee Textile Artist to join the National Theatre Costume Team on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.
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 NT. 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 successful candidate will have the following:
- To be a recent graduate in Costume/Textiles or related subject
- 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.
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 Tuesday 9th September 2025 at 12 noon.
**
We will close this vacancy when 200 applications are received. The post will be removed from our website at that point and until that time applications are welcome. Please submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Should you need support or additional time to submit an application please contact recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk
**
Unfortunately, we are unable to progress an application for this role if you do not currently have (or would be able to obtain) an ongoing right to work in the UK. We cannot sponsor candidates under a work visa for this role because the role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK government’s requirements for the Skilled Worker visa route. If you have any queries or would like to discuss this matter further, please contact recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk
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.