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Costume Supervisor

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Get insights from Costume Supervisor Stephanie Arditti

“The job of a Costume Supervisor is to realise the Costume Designer’s design. Getting the designs off the paper, from two-dimensional images to three-dimensional images.”

Stephanie Arditti

Role

Working with the designer to realise his/her vision, ensuring all costumes fit within the overall production design – with particular attention to historical detail on period dramas – and managing the Costume Department, which varies in size depending on the scale of a production. 

Responsibilities

  • Ensuring that all costumes are delivered within budget and to schedule
  • Supervising the work of a team of Costume Makers and assistants
  • Liaising with all departments, particularly the designer and Stage Management regarding costume measurements, fittings and alterations

Key Skills

  • Comprehensive costume history
  • Managing budgets and staff
  • Excellent communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Costume cutting and making
  • Calmness under pressure

Further Reading

  • Stage Costume – Step-by-Step by Mary T Kidd, 2002
  • Costume and Make-Up by Michael Holt, 1988

Training

Vocational training in Costume is on offer in many drama schools and some traineeships are available with larger theatre companies. Some people begin by working voluntarily in Wardrobe Departments in local theatres, progressing through the ranks of Costume Assistant and maker.

Skills are developed on-the-job while gaining useful industry contacts, which are vital for securing future work. Some people seek additional specialist training, for example in tailoring and millinery, to increase their skills-base and employability. 

Courses

Other courses are available. Those above represent a sample from various drama schools and universities.

See also