Men's Workroom Senior Technician/Senior Tailor

Royal Academy Of Dance; London; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts organisation in Covent Garden, London is seeking a Men’s Workroom Senior Technician. You will work on constructing and altering costumes for the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Theatrical Costume design and a strong background in tailoring. This full-time role offers competitive pay and a chance to contribute to world-class productions.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in craft skills workrooms or tailoring with a major production theatre.
• Proven practical making experience.
• Good knowledge of traditional methods of construction and tailoring.

Responsibilities

• Work on construction and alteration processes for costumes.
• Assist at rehearsals, performances, and fittings.
• Supervise junior and casual staff, apprentices, and work placements.

Skills

Team player

Strong communication skills

Craft skills

Interpret design concepts

Education

Theatrical Costume and Design course qualification

Job description

Overview

Full-time: 42.5 hours per week

Salary: £44,714.88 per annum

Based in: Covent Garden, London

Who we are

The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) is a world-leading arts organisation, based largely in the Royal Opera House - one of the world's most celebrated theatres. The RBO is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

As an organisation we are well known for the world-class ballets and operas that we stage in our theatres and in cinemas and streaming platforms across the world. Our mission is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone.

The role

The RBO Men’s Costume Workroom team produces costumes to the highest standards for the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.

We are seeking to recruit a Men’s Workroom Senior Technician/Senior Tailor, to join the team. In this role you will work on construction and alteration processes, maintaining an excellent working knowledge of the latest developments in techniques, materials, and finishes. You may also be required to assist at rehearsals, performances and fittings.

What you’ll bring

Our ideal candidate will be a team player with a collaborative approach to working and strong communication skills, who can demonstrate the following:

• A Theatrical Costume and Design course qualification to degree level, or comparable qualification/degree in a relevant craft skills area.
• A proven track record in craft skills workrooms and/or tailoring with a major production theatre or venue, or comparable film/TV experience
• Proven practical making experience and a sympathetic approach to creative concepts, and ability to realise them in practical terms.
• Able to accurately interpret design concepts from scale drawings and sketches.
• Able to assist in supervising the activities of junior and casual staff, apprentices, and work placements, as required.
• A good knowledge of traditional methods of construction, tailoring and period styles. A knowledge of costume history an advantage.

Click here for more information and to apply

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Closing date for applications: 8am, Friday 19th September 2025.

Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.