Role Introduction

The Set and Costume Designer (Designer from hereon) works alongside the team of theatre professionals to provide at least ten productions within the academic year as part of a fully programmed season. The Designer will take full design responsibility for the set and costume design for at least four of these productions and will assist on all other productions. This role is key in effectively delivering the artistic and creative teams’ vision to the stage. It entails detailed collaboration with directors, colleagues and students, working on a wide range of plays and styles, in a variety of performance spaces. The ability to lead, develop and enthuse a team of students, to remain calm and focused under pressure, to meet deadlines and have flair and a creative approach to design is essential.

The Designer will work alongside another Designer and the Assistant Designer in a collegiate way assisting on all productions that are produced by the theatre. The Designer will offer scenic, construction, costume, wig and make up support where required.

The Designer will act as a joint mentor to an Assistant Designer, supervising their work on a day-to-day basis and offering them support and guidance.

We are aware the breadth of the skills set out in this role profile are wide-ranging and that you might not currently meet all of them, but professional development opportunities will be available to upskill in the relevant areas.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

• Designing the set and costumes for allocated productions in the Main House Theatre, Caccia Studio and other spaces across the school;
• Identifying any extra support required with set and/or costume construction and wigs and make up for productions and working with the Production Manager and Director of Drama to source that support;
• Assisting on all productions produced by the theatre;
• Working within production budgets;
• Meeting production deadlines;
• Advising on the design for productions in other College venues including but not limited to Independent plays and curricular drama productions;
• Co-ordinating the student led Stage Management and Wardrobe teams on productions, alongside the rest of the theatre team;
• Motivating, guiding and working with students by providing opportunities for them to upskill in areas such as painting techniques, costume alterations and stage management of shows;
• Supervising students working in the theatre spaces and other College venues used for performance;
• Maintaining and encouraging good housekeeping practices throughout the theatres, including wardrobe, make up, green room and dressing rooms, prop & furniture stores, workshop and paint areas along with the rest of the creative team;
• Assisting with fit-ups and get outs as part of the theatre team;
• Supervising the work of the Assistant Designer on a day-to-day basis, and overseeing their design work on the productions where they act as the lead designer;
• Maintaining excellent working relationships with all staff across the theatre;
• Offering pastoral support for any student teams you work with;
• Supporting the Head of Theatre Studies in a non-teaching capacity in the delivery of the academic programme;
• Undertaking any other reasonable task as requested to ensure the effective running of the theatre;
• Where required, undertake regulated activity, such as unsupervised contact with students, ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed and providing safe and effective care at all times;
• Good understanding and effective implementation of Child Protection procedures;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity & inclusion;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students, including but not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Please refer to the attached job description for the full list of responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Relevant hands-on professional theatre experience with a creative, resourceful and stimulating approach to design;
• Good working knowledge and experience of producing scaled plans and technical drawings using design-related software;
• Experience of designing, producing and painting sets and props. If you also have experience of prop and furniture sourcing and providing design advice then this would be particularly advantageous;
• Traditional fine arts skills of sketching, rendering, and painting. Also, ideally be well versed in techniques such as marbling, ragging, and wood graining and texturing, and should have a good understanding of art history, period styles, motifs and architecture;
• Experience of making sets;
• Proficient sewing/alteration skills for making/altering costumes;
• A working knowledge of sewing machines, overlockers and laundry equipment;
• Relevant dressing experience;
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload;
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work well under pressure & to deadlines within a small but dedicated team
• Good communication skills –  students, staff, volunteers & external organisations;
• A willingness to learn;
• Self-motivated and able to take the initiative whilst working within the parameters of the production;
• Attention to detail;
• Experience and an understanding of modern theatre production techniques;
• Good IT skills including use of emails, Word and Microsoft Excel.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including; an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme (where applicable), free eyecare vouchers, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discount at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, a Barred List, Prohibition and EEA checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College