Costume performance technician Apprenticeship Standard

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Knowledge

K1: The organisational structure, vision and purpose and how each department connects with one another and the interdependency within an organisation.
K2: The key roles in the organisation and how they support each other’s success
K3: Industry specific terminology
K4: The creative vision for current and future projects
K5: The significance and importance of your role to the success of the organisation and an understanding of the interdependency and the need to work logically together with other departments
K6: Organisation Data Protection policy and the impact on your role
K7: Health and safety legislation which will include HaSaWA, COSHH, PPE; Manual handling techniques; Company Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures and child protection guidelines
K8: The requirements and purpose of running notes, costume lists and dressing plots
K9: Costume fitting techniques taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer's body shape, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and recording of relevant information on completion
K10: Dressing processes and benefits of order application e.g. make-up, wigs, mic. showing the importance of collaborative working processes and interdependency of departments
K11: Contemporary and historical dress/style to ensure costume authenticity
K12: Costume design principles as appropriate to their role
K13: Research methods and approaches to support fabric and costume identification
K14: The properties of fabrics and textiles used in costumes
K15: The construction and fit of the garments to enable correct repairs, alterations and laundry
K16: Machine and hand sewing techniques
K17: Garment care and laundry techniques and processes to maintain them
K18: Basic dyeing and costume breakdown techniques and accompanying H&S compliance
K19: Costume packing techniques for storage while costumes are inactive in regard to avoidance of mold, moth etc. and related H&S considerations.
K20: Organisation’s requirements for data storage, management, data protection and information systems.
K21: The requirements and operation of the Organisation’s software and IT systems.
K22: The Social Media Policy of the Organisation
K23: Written and verbal communication techniques including content to engage with internal and external colleagues using shared theatre/ costume technical industry language understood by other departments and the industry.
K24: The wardrobe needs of projects.
K25: Organisational financial procedures including documentation used by other departments building/keeping processes in line.
K26: Organisational administrative requirements e.g. timesheets and work rotas

Skills

S1: Link their Organisation’s strategy to current and future projects
S2: Produce timeline information to support long and short-term scheduling for performances
S3: Ensure relevant information is visually available within the wardrobe room.
S4: Produce and update staff contacts including emergency contacts
S5: Work to the requirements of the Organisation’s Data Protection Policy specifically in respect of confidentiality in relation to artists and the projects
S6: Comply with all Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, including where appropriate selecting, using and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment
S7: Plan for and safely move costumes as required
S8: Safely pack up and unpack all costumes and wardrobe equipment
S9: Keep all costumes and equipment tidy and secure
S10: Undertake and work in accordance with risk assessments appropriate for the environment
S11: Safely operate appropriate equipment e.g. sewing machines
S12: Work at height when required by the environment
S13: Identify performance and scheduling requirements to ensure costumes are available as required
S14: Attend rehearsals and meetings to assess all wardrobe requirements
S15: Compile dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists. These may be paper-based or electronic.
S16: Check off costumes against the costume list and set in dressing areas as required/ Setting of costumes correctly and in correct location backstage and in dressing room.
S17: Manage costume needs for a range of performers taking into account the needs for different individuals and their potential vulnerability in a fitting situation for example a wearer's body shape, following child protection guidelines, abilities/disabilities, sensitivities, ergonomics and safety requirements. This includes setting up and undertaking costume fittings and preparation; dress and undress performers at the start, during and at the end of events.
S18: Identify and communicate costume requirements using appropriate language and tact, to performers e.g. sitting and eating restrictions
S19: Ensure all quick costumes changes meet performance and H&S requirements and fitting etiquette.
S20: Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. last-minute cast substitutions. This may include costume fittings and changes
S21: Identify external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or makers
S22: Identify and liaise with costume hire organisations to provide specialist costumes to meet requirements
S23: Receive, store and return costumes on loan ensuring compliance with loan conditions
S24: Ensure the correct and consistent appearance of costumes in order to meet production specifications. This will include preparing, maintaining and working to dressing notes and original designs.
S25: Undertake alterations and repairs to costumes and shoes, which may include hand/machine sewing, during and after performances
S26: Wash, iron and/or prepare costumes for dry cleaning
S27: Plan costume refurbishment to maintain original appearance
S28: Source broken/ missing items e.g. jewelry, this may include buying items
S29: Ensure the correct removal, packing and storage of costumes in accordance with organisation and fabric requirements
S30: Be aware of who will use and where the costume will be required next
S31: Be discrete and keep artist information confidential
S32: Update costume data base – keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets
S33: Manage wardrobe stock lists including shoes and accessories using the agreed process.
S34: Write and maintain clear running notes of all costumes allocated either on paper or electronically, They should include costume descriptions, costume changes, locations, pre-event notes, accessory lists and daily laundry requirements
S35: Provide clear communication with other relevant departments Wigs hair and make-up/ sound department to ensure correct order of process
S36: Show confidence, flexibility and tact when communicating with different stakeholders which may include freelance dressers, ensuring an appropriate use of language, terminology and when required, fitting etiquette.
S37: Maintain stock of costume and running wardrobe supplies as required.
S38: Manage external costume hire including payments
S39: Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets on time
S40: Follow Organisation’s financial processes for procurement of agreed good and services

Behaviours

B1: Commitment and Confidence: consistently strives to achieve personal and organisational targets, take action to resolve day to day issues, receptive to new ideas and respond well to day-to-day challenges and determined to overcome obstacles
B2: Problem solving: identifies and considers all possible options and provides sensible solutions to unexpected challenges
B3: Be organised: works in a logical manner, preparing and keeping notes to ensure costumes are in the right place, at the right time, in the right condition
B4: Be Proactive: positive, cooperative, receptive, flexible and resilient at all times. Prepared to work outside of one’s comfort zone, to undertake different tasks. A willingness to learn, adapt and be trained in new skills and approaches, and share learning
B5: Team working: works as part of a team, taking on tasks with enthusiasm and working cooperatively with others (in a timely fashion). Has a clear understanding of the role they play in relation to other team members. Undertakes tasks confidently and resourcefully, supporting the team and/or line manager as required
B6: Interpersonal skills: Flexible and cooperative attitude to others, establishes effective and appropriate working relationships and boundaries with co-workers and managers. Listens to and respects others views and opinions. Diplomatic and tactful at all times
B7: Independent working: is pro-active and purposeful when working on their activities, applies the appropriate knowledge. Seeks support when it is needed from line-manager and reports changes and concerns at all times.
B8: Time-Management and Planning; identifies and develops a plan to work within time constraints
B9: Attention to detail: applies rigor and attention to detail in all tasks.
B10: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes equality and diversity by treating all colleagues, visitors and members of the public with respect, tolerance and dignity at all times
B11: Emotional intelligence and resilience: manages interpersonal relationships with patience and empathy. Deals positively with challenges and adverse situations. Open to receiving feedback and demonstrate actions taken in relation to it.
B12: Work under pressure: works well in a multi-tasking environment. Conscious of other departments and artists who may also be working under pressures. There may be constraints outside their control or unforeseen changes or problems to deal with.

Duty 1

DUTY: Contribute to planning and organising the costume needs for upcoming projects at their organisation

Duty 2

DUTY: Assess all wardrobe requirements and identify dressing needs, costume lists, costume descriptions and packing lists.

Duty 3

DUTY: Manage and prioritise workloads to meet production deadlines

Duty 4

DUTY: Manage costume needs for a range of performers.

Duty 5

DUTY: Set dressing rooms and check-off costumes against the costume list.

Duty 6

DUTY: Plan and carry-out quick costumes changes during performances

Duty 7

DUTY: Ensure costumes meet production and design specifications by ensuring that they are worn correctly and that they are put on in the right order and with assistance if needed.

Duty 8

DUTY: Identify the properties of fabric and construction of costume to choose the correct means to undertake/organise cleaning/ironing/steaming costumes

Duty 9

DUTY: Manage the impact of short notice cast changes e.g. under-study. This may include costume fit checking and changes to costumes.

Duty 10

DUTY: Make alterations and repairs to costume elements including accessories during and after each performance

Duty 11

DUTY: Identify and/or liaise with external suppliers to support successful costume production and maintenance e.g. specialist dry cleaners or costume makers.

Duty 12

DUTY: Receive, store and return hired costumes for each production

Duty 13

DUTY: Manage wardrobe stock lists and update costume records keeping track of costume location, descriptions, running notes and any other relevant production related information. Maintain costume measurement sheets keeping performer information confidential

Duty 14

DUTY: Pack, store and remove costumes from location to location; e.g. stage, dressing room to wardrobe hub to storage unit or returning to hire company.

Duty 15

DUTY: Maintain and replenish running wardrobe supplies

Duty 16

DUTY: Complete paperwork e.g. timesheets, staff contact details and emergency contact details

Costume performance technician

Interested in a simple Skills Scan and Learning Progress Tracker tool for the Costume performance technician standard?

Knowledge

Skills

Behaviours

Duty 1

Duty 2

Duty 3

Duty 4

Duty 5

Duty 6

Duty 7

Duty 8

Duty 9

Duty 10

Duty 11

Duty 12

Duty 13

Duty 14

Duty 15

Duty 16

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Interested in a simple Skills Scan and Learning Progress Tracker tool for the Costume performance technician standard?