The Real Job of a Wardrobe Assistant
Wardrobe Assistant
The work:
Wardrobe assistants help to make, find and look after the clothing and costumes used in theatre, film and television productions. They are junior members of the costume department, and work under the direction of a costume supervisor or wardrobe master or mistress.
Their duties include:
* fitting and dressing the performers
* helping to buy and hire costume items
* standing by to look after the costumes between takes or scenes
* mending and altering costumes
* packing and unpacking costumes and accessories
* cleaning and ironing costumes
* helping to make pieces and put costumes together
* making sure that all items are available when needed
* keeping an accurate record of all items needed
* breaking down costumes
Hours and Environment:
Wardrobe assistants are usually employed on a freelance basis, so hours and conditions vary. Hours can be long, unsocial and irregular, depending on the needs of the production. Wardrobe assistants in the theater usually work in the day during rehearsals, and work evenings and weekends during performances.
Depending on the type of production, wardrobe assistants may work indoors in studios or backstage at theatres, or out on location.
Skills and Interests:
To be a wardrobe assistant you should:
* have good practical and sewing skills (both by hand and machine) for making and altering clothes
* be creative and understand costume style, design and history
* be flexible and adaptable
* pay excellent attention to detail
* be able to follow instructions
* be well organised and able to work under pressure
* be calm and tactful when helping performers to dress
* have good people skills and work well in a team
Entry:
There are no set entry requirements, but you will need good practical skills such as hand and machine sewing, dressmaking and pattern cutting.
There is strong competition for jobs so you will find it useful to have a university-level qualification, especially if you want to move into costume design. Many wardrobe assistants have an education or experience in:
* costume design
* fashion
* textiles
* art and design
* performing arts (production)
As well as gaining skills and qualifications, you must also find practical work experience and start to build up a portfolio or showreel of work to show to employers. You can gain relevant experience through:
* student theatre and film productions
* amateur theatre
* dressmaking
* working for a theatrical costume hire company
* casual backstage work in theatres
* casual work as a costume 'daily' (temporary helpers on film and TV sets)
Training:
You will usually train on the job, learning from more experienced wardrobe supervisors, costume makers and designers.
Generally you should: * be aged 18 or over
* have sewing, pattern cutting and drawing skills, preferably with a qualification
* be able to prove that you are committed to finding work experience in the film and TV industry
Opportunities:
Wardrobe assistants usually work on freelance contracts for:
* film and television production companies
* theatre companies
* producers of music videos and commercials
Permanent employment or long-term contracts may be possible in larger theatres that present their own productions, or large TV broadcasters.
With experience, wardrobe assistants could progress to costume supervisor or wardrobe master/mistress, then possibly on to assistant costume designer.
Competition for jobs is fierce. Success depends on talent, reputation and contacts.
Wardrobe and costume staff tend to specialise in either stage, film or TV, but very experienced people may be able to move into other areas.
Annual Income:
Earnings in film and television can be higher than in theatre.
Most people are employed on freelance contracts, and rates of pay will vary depending experience, the type of production and the budget available. Freelance rates within the media vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis.
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Benefits
