- 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
- excellent verbal communication skills
- design skills and knowledge
- knowledge of maths
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Your day-to-day duties might include:
- helping to buy and hire costume items
- looking after the costumes between takes or scenes
- mending and altering items
- packing and unpacking costumes and accessories
- cleaning, steaming and ironing
- helping to make pieces and put costumes together
- fitting costumes onto performers
- keeping continuity notes, so that performers look the same in each scene
- storing costumes and returning hired items (known as 'breaking down' costumes)
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.
You’ll specialise in either theatre work, film or TV, but you could cross over between areas once established.
With experience, you could become a wardrobe manager or move into set design, production design or stage management.
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.
