Wardrobe Assistant

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

41 to 43 variable

freelance / self-employed flexibly

How To Become a Wardrobe Assistant

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College / University

You can take a higher national diploma, degree or postgraduate qualification in costume design, fashion or textiles. This could give you an advantage later if you want to become a costume designer.

between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could start by doing a college course to get some of the skills needed for this job, for example:

Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles
Level 3 Certificate in Theatre Support Costume and Wardrobe

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

The following apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

Level 3 Broadcast production assistant
Level 3 Costume performance technician
Level 3 Garment maker

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could start out as a runner with a production company and get the experience and contacts you need to move into wardrobe and costume work.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

design skills and knowledge
the ability to work well with your hands
the ability to work well with others
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of the fine arts
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You might:

help to buy and hire costume items
look after the costumes between takes or scenes
mend and alter items
pack and unpack costumes and accessories
clean, steam and iron garments
help to make pieces and put costumes together
fit costumes onto performers
keep continuity notes, so that performers look the same in each scene
store costumes and return hired items (known as 'breaking down' costumes)

Working Environment

You could work at a film studio, on a film set, in a theatre or at a TV studio.

Your working environment may be cramped and hot.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to build up your skills and to make contacts with people in the industry. Your contacts can be a good way of finding paid work later on. You could get volunteering experience through:

student theatre and film productions
amateur or community theatre
dressmaking
working for a theatrical costume hire company
casual work as a costume 'daily' or temporary helper on film and TV sets

Tips & Information

Further information

You can find more details about how to become a wardrobe assistant through Get into Theatre.

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

Many wardrobe assistants work freelance and their rates can vary widely. The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) has more information about the recommended daily rates for wardrobe assistants.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.