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From your favourite soap opera on TV, to a lavish stage production in the West End, to behind the scenes on a film set, you can be sure that one particular group of people have been hard at work to ensure that all the performers look the part.
Busy behind the scenes, the members of the wardrobe (or costume) department have spent many months researching, planning, designing and producing the costumes to be worn.
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UKP-Arts takes a closer look at the different roles required in wardrobe and the various training routes available.
The wardrobe department is responsible for providing costumes, which are either designed and made in the department or hired from outside - depending on the size of the department, budgets and the type of show or event being produced. As the costumes get put through their paces during a performance the department personnel may also be responsible for cleaning and repairing them, ready for the next show.
Creativity, versatility, a sense of colour, line and fashion as well as the ability to work under pressure and as part of a team - all are important qualities and skills for working in wardrobe. Here are some of the roles you will find in the department.
Costume/Wardrobe designer
The costume designer interprets the performance - finding out what the show is about, the number of performers, the types of costume required - and from this information they start to make suitable designs. The whole process requires research and making many adaptations and changes until the costume designs are approved by the production manager. If the costume designer works in a small department they may also be required to draw patterns and make the costumes themselves. They must also be able to communicate well with other departments to ensure the costumes co-ordinate with all the other visual effects being used in the performance.
Costume/Wardrobe supervisor
The costume supervisor works closely with the designer on co-ordinating the making of costumes and wigs and to help bring all the designs to life. Once the costume designs have been approved, they are made into practical working drawings and technical sketches, along with small material samples to give the look and feel of the finished item. Practical skills required include knowledge of pattern draughting and sizes of stock items, and an understanding of materials and the costs involved. Planning is also an important skill as it is crucial that the costumes are ready in time for the dress rehearsals and ultimately the performance itself.
Costume cutter/maker
Costume makers and cutters work on the patterns created for the costumes and cut out and assemble them for the performance. Costume cutters and makers often gain their skills whilst working in the department or serving an apprenticeship in the wider clothing industry and then adapting their skills to the performing arts industry. A specialist cutting course and workshops are available at the University of the Arts London.
Milliner
The milliner would be responsible for the design and manufacture of any hats for the production. These would need to be designed to co-ordinate with the rest of the costumes and so the milliner will work closely with the designer to plan the complete look.
Training routes
Out of all the different technical departments the wardrobe department probably has the most opportunities for newcomers. It is possible to obtain work without previous theatre experience but, like all aspects of the performing arts, there are dedicated courses available where you can learn the skills required and give yourself a better start in your career.
There is an obvious link with the worlds of fashion and design, and some people working in the wardrobe department will have taken this particular route before specialising in the theatre. So look at courses on offer at art and design institutes, schools and colleges as well as drama and theatre training providers. It is also possible to specialise in other areas such as costume design specifically for carnivals or combining costume design with special effects and make-up.
Courses
As with any decision about which course to choose, it will depend on a number of factors - your age, previous experience and qualifications, location and your ultimate career goal.
Due to the practical nature of the work it will be important this is reflected in the course you choose. Vocational training routes include Young Apprenticeship programmes and NVQ courses. From there, you can pursue qualifications such as Certificates, Diplomas, Foundation Degrees and First Degrees. It's also possible to study costume at postgraduate level with an MA, MPhil or PhD qualification.
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