Do you have an interest in theatre or live events? Are you looking for a job that allows you to learn new skills and gain a qualification? Can you work flexibly in a busy team? Are you practical and proactive with a keen eye for detail?

We are delighted to offer the opportunity for a Running Wardrobe Apprentice to join our highly experienced and friendly Running Wardrobe department in Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a fantastic, developmental opportunity for someone who is looking to gain experience in all aspects of Running Wardrobe.

An RSC Apprenticeship provides an alternative and supportive way of accessing a career in theatre. This scheme will focus on the development of costume skills through a mix of work-based learning and coursework, allowing you to develop your practical skills and realise your potential. As part of this 2-year apprentice programme you will work towards the successful completion of a Level 3 Costume Technician apprenticeship.

What will I be doing?

As a Running Wardrobe Apprentice, you will be involved in all aspects of Running Wardrobe including costume maintenance, laundry, and performance calls, this will involve organising dressing rooms and costume plots, assisting performers with quick changes, maintaining costumes, and caring for the costumes including washing, steaming and ironing.

Eligibility criteria for this role:

• Applicants must not hold a degree, HND, or a postgraduate qualification and be eligible to study for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
• Applicants must not have extensive experience of working backstage in a professional theatre.
• You must have lived in the UK or in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years a resident of the UK for the entire duration of the programme.
• You will be required to undertake studying and assessments required to complete the apprenticeship. This may involve an end point assessment.
• An interest in theatre or live events.
• Self-motivated to acquire new skills and knowledge.
• Be 18 years old or over on the start date.

What's in it for me?

• 20% dedicated training time, which is a combination of in-house training and training from an external supplier.
• A dedicated apprenticeship mentor who will tailor your learning experience.
• The opportunity to shadow other departments to expand your overall knowledge of theatre craft.

This is a full time, fixed term contract for the duration of the 2-year apprenticeship. Working hours will be 40 hours per week, 6 days per week, including evenings and weekends. You will be required to join off the job training one day a week with your training provider.

Application Process

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email

The role will close at midnight 22 June. The first interviews will take place on 26 and 27 June and will be online. The second round of interview will be in person, in Stratford upon Avon, week commencing 7 July.

About the RSC

The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability.

We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

We believe that safeguarding children and adults is everyone's responsibility, and everybody working at the RSC has a duty to place safeguarding at the heart of their work. We welcome candidates who will support and advocate the RSC's environmental objectives continuing to improve our sustainability work and actions both on and off stage.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.