Pitlochry Festival Theatre

DRESSER

(Fixed Term Contract)

JOB DESCRIPTION

OVERALL ROLE

The Dresser is responsible to the Wardrobe Supervisor. As part of the Production and Resources Group, the post holder will be contributing to the effective and efficient running of all productions and events to the highest standard.

The post holder will participate in the delivery of Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s wardrobe services, (i.e. costume, wigs and accessories). The post holder is expected to make a positive contribution to the development of the Production and Resources Group and to the success of the company as a whole.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre aspires to the highest quality in its production values and in the delivery of wardrobe services and the post holder will have a key role in achieving quality targets and developing and maintaining standards.

The Wardrobe Supervisor is the line manager for this post.

Principal Responsibilities  To participate in the delivery of PFT wardrobe services  To promote and participate in an alert and positive approach to Health and Safety in the delivery of all Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s wardrobe services, in accordance with Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s Health and Safety policy and practice  To work as an effective member of the Wardrobe Services Team and contribute to the development of the Production and Resources Group as a whole

In addition to the duties outlined below the Company reserves the right to require you to perform other duties from time to time.

In pursuit of the Principal Responsibilities, the Dresser`s duties will include:

1. Departmental Responsibilities

1.1 Participating in the delivery of Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s wardrobe services to the highest possible standards, ensuring agreed quality control thresholds are attained within available resources Page 1 of 3 1.2 Dressing and maintaining costumes for all male and female actors in PFT productions and to keep the standard of the Designers` specifications throughout the run of the season 1.3 To set out every part of each costume including accessories in the dressing rooms and other parts of the Theatre where costume changes are to occur 1.4 Dressing all male and female actors in the production as allocated by the Wardrobe Supervisor and/or the Deputy Wardrobe Supervisor before the performances 1.5 Assisting the actors before, during and after a performance with their costumes including quick changes 1.6 Conducting emergency repairs to costumes during performances 1.7 Recognising where repair work needs to be carried out on a costume and either carrying out the repair or returning it to the Supervisor, Deputy or Assistant in Wardrobe with a note of the repair requirements 1.8 Carrying out daily maintenance of costumes if required, including the laundry and ironing 1.9 Identifying items requiring dry cleaning and liaising with the Wardrobe Supervisor or Head of Production and Resources to identify appropriate times for this to be carried out 1.10 Maintaining wigs for the production 1.11 Writing up and maintaining clear and concise notes for each production. These notes should be kept up to date with copies available in Wardrobe. These notes will consist of:- the costume plot, pre-set notes, the running plot and daily laundry and are to be written in such a way as to enable casuals or other Wardrobe staff to cover, without prior knowledge of the production 1.12 Ensuring that security, safety and good housekeeping procedures for the department are properly carried out 1.13 Reporting any losses and unsafe practices in dressing rooms 1.14 Participating in Wardrobe services efficiently and effectively, with due regard to Health and Safety, accepted theatre practice and available resources 1.15 Assisting in the provision of clean, efficient, well organised and safe physical working environments in areas used by Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s Wardrobe Services Team and the Acting Company 1.16 Adhering to agreed schedules and budgets in the delivery of the wardrobe services 1.17 Supporting flexible working practices within the Wardrobe Services Team 1.18 Communicating effectively with colleagues

2. Health and Safety

2.1 Promoting and participating in an alert and positive approach to Health and Safety and appropriate working methods at all times 2.2 Ensuring that Pitlochry Festival Theatre`s Health and Safety policy and all relevant Health and Safety legislation is applied effectively to all activities undertaken 2.3 Participating in the creation of appropriate risk assessments for Wardrobe activities 2.4 Working effectively and responsibly as a member of the Production and Resources Group; offering a constructive and collaborative contribution to the overall development of the Group and facilitating the delivery of all production services to the highest standards 2.5 Ensuring effective delivery of any other task reasonably requested by the Wardrobe Supervisor or the Head of Production and Resources

of 3 DRESSER - Person Specification

Essential skills and experience  At least 2 years experience as a Dresser within a costume and wigs department for the performing arts industry, or completion of an industry recognised training programme or college course in Dressing and Wardrobe Maintenance  Good Dressing and associated skills  Good knowledge of wig dressing and wig maintenance skills  Practical experience of working in a costume and wigs department within a theatre environment  Good communication skills, both written and verbal  Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities  Ability to perform under pressure as a member of a motivated and positive staff  Understanding of current Health and Safety issues and practice within the UK performing arts industry  Experience of working directly with creative personnel

Desirable skills and experience  Experience of mainstream UK theatre production  Experience of repertoire systems  Experience of multi-site working  Experience of managing storage systems and recycling programmes  Experience of working within a predominantly rural environment  IT Literate

Essential Personal Disposition  A good team player  Flexible and diplomatic  A problem solver  Willing to work across a wide range of areas  A positive attitude  Calm under pressure  An effective communicator