A Pattern Cutter creates fabric patterns based on drawings from a Costume Designer, which are then used to make costumes. Patterns can be created by hand or drawn using a computer programme.
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You do not need any specific qualifications to become a Pattern Cutter and you could choose to train on the job as an Assistant. You can also do a fashion-related course or costume making course, or complete an apprenticeship in a related area. Any related experience you can gain is always helpful, and it helps to keep a portfolio of your work. Read our blog How to make a costume design portfolio here.
Find more theatre careers advice through our blogs here
You can start as a Pattern Cutting Assistant or Sample Machinist with a clothing manufacturer or fashion design company and work your way to Pattern Cutter. Why don't you read our blog 'What Do Theatre Wardrobe Staff Do?' to get a better understanding of the role you can begin your career with.
A starting salary for a Pattern Cutter is roughly £22k per year. You could also be freelance, set your own fee based on the level of work, or work alongside very specific Costume Designers.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/pattern-cutter
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/pattern-cutter/how-to-become
https://www.newvictheatre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Costume_Cutter_pack_sm.pdf
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/?TabID=1358&id=662
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/National-Theatre/salaries/Cutter
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/New-Vic-Theatre/salaries/Cutter
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 3rd June 2024
The Make-Up Artist will ensure that the Actors and Performers have suitable make-up for a performance. In theatre, they may also be referred to as Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Assistants, Technicians and Supervisors. Depending on the size of the production and the requirements of the show, there may be separate positions for wigs, hair and make-up staff, or they may be combined roles.
Often, academic qualifications are not as important as creative and practical skills. It’s possible to become a Make-Up Artist without a degree. You can complete traineeships and freelance work within the industry to gain experience. Qualifications such as an apprenticeship in make-up may be useful. Find training and experience opportunities in make-up to help you get into theatre here.
A lot of Make-Up Artists start as Trainees, Apprentices or Assistants, helping with shows and photoshoots for productions and working their way up whilst completing additional technique training. It is common for Make-Up Artists to be freelance so it is essential to be able to promote yourself and your work. Remember to take pictures of your work to build a portfolio. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for more information.
A trainee can earn no less than the national minimum wage or union minimum. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/make-up-artist
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://brushstroke.co.uk/make-up-artist-roles/
https://www.etbu.edu/sites/default/files/2020-10/appendix_m_theatre_handbook.pdf
https://www.hollywoodmirrors.co.uk/blogs/news/makeup-artist-salary-guide
Photo: Shutterstock
Updated: 6th June 2024
Prop Makers are responsible for making all the props used in a show and ensuring they suit the design of the production. These can range from crockery to weapons and even bigger set pieces. Prop Makers work with a range of different materials including metal, latex, fibreglass, wood and textiles. They work with the production team to ensure the props they are making look authentic and match the era of the production, i.e. Shakespearean, Victorian, Ancient Greece etc. A Prop Maker may also work in the stage management department.
Although you do not need a formal qualification to be a Prop Maker you can learn new skills while studying towards a career in prop making. You can gain qualifications in one of these areas such as:
Find training opportunities in prop making to help you get into theatre here
Prop Makers use a range of different skills to create props, these include the following:
Related skills can include:
Always keep a portfolio of your work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio' for some tips.
You would typically start as a Props Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager or Technician. During this time you will gain new skills and experience and work your way up within the department. It's always a good idea to get as much experience as you can.
Many Prop Makers work freelance and they can charge an hourly rate or a day rate, depending their reputation and the estimate work it may take to complete a prop. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for tips.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/props
https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/831/97
https://www.inputyouth.co.uk/jobguides/job-propmaker.html
https://www.erieri.com/salary/job/prop-maker/united-kingdom/london
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Work experience is a short term placement in an organisation which gives you a feel for the role. It also helps you see what a day in the life looks like for someone who has that particular job. As part of your work experience you’ll likely carry out only a few important tasks, and will mainly complete other tasks such as assisting, making tea and coffee and photocopying etc. It will give you a chance to observe and see what you could be doing in the future.
Some work experience placements are paid and some are not. It is up to the organisation and depends on what tasks they will get you to do. Generally, work experience is usually unpaid because it’s over a short period of time, however your travel and/or lunch costs will often be covered or reimbursed.
Find work experience opportunities here.
Nothing impresses an employer more than seeing that you’ve gone out of your way (especially during your free time) to gain work experience and improve on your skills. This shows enthusiasm and dedication to your future career. There are many benefits of work experience such as:
For more info about work experience in the creative industries, you can also take a look at our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?'
Work experience is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
The main thing to know is that the term 'volunteering' stands for 'a person who works for an organisation without being paid.' If you complete volunteer work, you'll be working completely for free and you will not have a contract of employment like interns. However, there are certain policies in place to protect you and the organisation. These policies state that both you and the organisation are aware of the expectations of both of you. Volunteers are not eligible for National Minimum Wage as you’re participating by choice, but you'll have more flexibility with your working hours and this can be great.
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You don't need any qualifications or experience to apply. You just need to be willing to participate and get involved. This will show your determination and passion for theatre because you want to learn new things and get involved in different aspects of theatre despite not being paid.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Volunteering is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find volunteering opportunities here.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
There are many different types of internships within the theatre industry, so we’re going to tell you about them in general and also make sure you know your rights.
Internships are similar to work experience but they are fixed-term placements and are often referred to as a 'traineeship'. They aim to give you a better understanding of employment and the day-to-day tasks of the job you’ve chosen. Interns are normally set a number of different tasks to complete during their placement. Read our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?' for more information.
Search all theatre opportunities here
Employers must pay interns at least the National Minimum Wage - unless the company is a registered charity. You’ll be completing tasks a member of staff would do and it's only fair that you should be paid for your work.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Be sure to know your rights within the theatre industry, especially when gaining experience. Internships are great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
You can find internship opportunities here with The Stage Jobs.
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
Gaining work experience or on the job training is a great way to give yourself a better chance of getting into theatre. When applying for a job in theatre, employers will want to see your determination and your passion for wanting a career in the theatre industry.
There are different kinds of theatre experience you can gain and any type of experience will benefit you in a number of different ways and look great on your CV. These are listed below.
Click on each type of experience for more information.
It is important that we highlight and make you aware of instances where young people are exploited. You must be cautious of low and unpaid work and you must know your rights when applying for these experience opportunities.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Photo: Royal Opera House
Published: 16 May 2019
A Costume Maker creates the costumes based on the designs and drawings created by the Costume Designer and works under their direction. The Costume Maker will create patterns for the costumes, cutting and sewing them to actually construct the costume.
Find costume making opportunities from across the theatre industry here
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Costume Maker. However, having a qualification could help to develop your understanding of theatre and costume design, as well as developing your making skills:
Find training opportunities in costume making to help you get into theatre here
Some people begin by working in wardrobe departments in theatres, progressing through to a Costume Assistant. Skills are developed on-the-job while gaining useful industry contacts which are vital for securing future work. Training could increase your skills-base and employability.
There aren’t any set guidelines as the role of a Costume Maker can vary depending on the scale of the production as well as your personal experience. You may wish to set your own rates based on how long a costume may take and the level of work involved.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.rsc.org.uk/about-us/how-we-make-theatre/costume
https://www.mgcfutures.com/careers/costume-maker/
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/aug/05/working-life-theatre-costume-maker
Updated: 9th June 2024
Wardrobe Assistants work under the direction of the Head of Wardrobe to ensure the costumes for a production are looked after, maintained and fitted well to the performer.
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that could help you get a head start in the industry:
Search opportunities in costume to help you get into theatre here
Always keep examples of your previous work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio.'
You may start as a Wardrobe Assistant or Dresser and move into more senior roles such as Wardrobe Master/Mistress, Costume Supervisor and maybe even Head of Wardrobe. You could also decide to become a Costume Designer. Read our blogs 'What does a theatre Costume Designer do?' and 'What does a Costume Maker do?'
Pay for theatre wardrobe staff varies depending on experience, and the tasks required of you. Grade 2 and 3 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £661.87 - £717.87. Some venues may have their own pool of casual wardrobe staff to support touring shows, who may be paid a minimum show fee. A Wardrobe Daytime Assistant could be paid £15.23 per hour, with a Dresser being paid £57.10 for a 3 3/4 show fee (based on SOLT/Bectu 2024 rates).
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/wardrobe-assistant
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/?TabID=1358&id=1325&occupation=wardrobe-assistant
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znmxrj6
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/costume-assistant-70536/
Photo: Royal Opera House/Sim Canetty-Clarke
Updated: June 2024
A Costume Designer is the person responsible for designing the costumes for a production. They make sure they match the time period, the characters and the Director’s vision for the piece, as well as being practical for the Performer.
While you do not need a degree for this role, here are some useful subjects and courses that could help you get a head start in the industry:
Find training opportunities in design from across the theatre industry here
These are the desirable skills for the right candidate to have to be a Costume Designer:
Always ensure you keep examples of your work. Read our blog 'How to make a costume design portfolio.'
You may start as a Wardrobe Assistant and move into more senior roles such as Wardrobe Master/Mistress or Costume Supervisor and then move into Costume Design. Some people have gone from set design areas into costume design roles. Keeping a portfolio will help you showcase your talent. Find out how to make a portfolio here.
Pay for a Costume Designer can vary depending on their level of experience. They can be in-house for theatres who produce their own work regularly and paid a salary. However, it is likely that you will be freelance and design for a fee, which can vary based on the show scale and the company. Salaries can range from apprenticeship salary, to upwards of £35k. For one production, 2024/2025 Equity rates suggest a Designer fee of £3133.13 and a weekly making fee of £613.84. Sometimes, and often for smaller scale productions, the Set and Costume Designer will be the same person.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/costume-designer
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/how-to-get-started-in-costume-design-70464/
https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/42/19
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
Photo: Pexels
Updated: 3rd June 2024
