Wiltshire Creative is seeking a skilled and professional Dresser with costume maintenance experience to support our upcoming production of Blithe Spirit.

The production rehearses and performs at Salisbury Playhouse, before transferring for one week of performances at Blackpool Grand Theatre.

Contract Schedule:

• Final week of rehearsals: begins 22nd September 2025
• Tech week: commences 29th September 2025
• First Preview: 2nd October 2025
• Press Night: 7th October 2025
• Salisbury run ends: 25th October 2025
• Blackpool run: 28th October – 1st November 2025

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Rehearsals & Tech

• Attend final rehearsals, technical and dress rehearsals; update and maintain dressing/quick-change plots and preset lists.
• Prepare, label and organise costumes
• Set and maintain quick-change areas and keep them safe and tidy

Show Operations

• Dress assigned performers efficiently and discretely including assisting with quick changes
• Preset all costumes and accessories before each performance; complete post-show checks and resets.
• Support wigs/hair duties as directed by the WHAM team
• Carry out daily costume maintenance, escalating larger fixes to the Supervisor/Deputy.
• Complete show-by-show laundry/cleaning schedules; rotate duplicates and ensure dry times for sweat-heavy pieces.

Continuity & Documentation

• Keep accurate dressing plots, costume bibles, continuity photos and maintenance logs; record notes in show reports where relevant.
• Update paperwork promptly when cues, costumes or performer allocations change.
• Assist with receiving, unpacking, labelling and organising costumes at the start of the contract.
• Support strike/get-out: checking off inventories, packing, returns, and ensuring all items are cleaned and accounted for.

General

• Work in line with Wiltshire Creative policies on safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion, and confidentiality in dressing rooms.
• Uphold Health and safety in accordance to risk assessments such as; Coshh safety, manual handling, fire safety and trip-free quick-change spaces.
• Maintain a calm, supportive presence under pressure and model professional etiquette backstage.
• Communicate clearly with the Costume Supervisor/Deputy, Stage Management, and Sound to coordinate changes and resolve issues quickly.
• Assist with understudy/swing stand-ins, changing plots or making costume alterations.
• Work the required schedule including evenings, weekends, split-shows and any bank holidays.
• Any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role to ensure the smooth running of rehearsals and performances.

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in dressing for theatre, particularly working with lead performers and professional tours.
• High level of organisational skills and reliability
• Strong sewing skills and experience in costume maintenance, with a working knowledge of 1930s period costume
• Willingness to handling and assisting cast with wigs
• A calm, discreet and professional manner backstage and in dressing rooms
• Availability to travel to and work in Blackpool for the final week of the production

This is a great opportunity to work with a committed and collaborative team on a stylish and witty period production.

To Apply:

Please send your CV and a short cover letter to wardrobe@wiltshirecreative.co.uk by Tuesday 23^rd September.

Please note: We reserve the right to close applications early if the position is filled.