Costumer Maker - Tailoring (Maternity Cover)

We are looking for  a Costume Maker - Tailoring to join the National Theatre's Production Costume team on a 12 Month Fixed Term (Maternity Cover) contract.  

The purpose of this role is to provide costume making, sewing and alterations support as part of the costume workroom team comprising of six permanent team members:

• Costume Workroom Supervisor/ Head Cutter Women’s.
• Head Tailor Menswear
• Deputy Cutter Menswear
• Deputy Cutter Womenswear
• Costume Maker Menswear
• Costume Maker Womenswear.

The role directly supports the Head and deputy tailors within the Costume Production Workroom who cut and make costumes and accessories for shows in production for our three theatres, tours and transfers. During busy periods such Tech week and previews, the whole team are expected to work on notes as needed regardless of the costumes gender. All members of the costume workroom and wider costume production department are encouraged to participate in the wider building and in being part of an effective team, practicing good people and communication skills, representing the Royal National Theatre and Costume Department to visiting artists and encouraging good relations with other Royal National Theatre colleagues.

The role is vital in assisting the team and in supervising costume makers, FTCs and work placement students as and when appropriate. The role means multi-tasking and working quickly and diligently across many different projects – a large volume of which involves campaign roll-out work.

The successful candidates will have the following:  

• BA/City and Guilds or equivalent strong experience in Costume Making/Fashion.
• Substantial experience of costume making in theatre, TV or equivalent.
• Able to carry out delegated projects with minimum amount of supervision plus able to take instruction from senior members of the team.
• Excellent accurate hand and machine sewing skills, including knowledge of different sewing machines and basic machine maintenance.
• Sound knowledge of period costume, familiarity with sewing terminology & good knowledge of fabrics

If that sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!

  Download the Job Description here.

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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 Friday 22nd May 2026 at 12 noon.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a sufficient number of applications. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Should you need support or additional time to submit an application please contact recruitment@nationaltheatre.org.uk.

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.