‘It’s a backstage choreography and it’s as important as the onstage choreography.’

Dresser

Role

A dresser works backstage assisting the maintenance of costumes during performances, ensuring they’re of a high-quality and standard, and helping actors with quick costume changes. They report directly to the Wardrobe Manager and/or Costume Supervisor. Dressers may progress to become Wardrobe Assistants and Costume Supervisors.

Key Skills

Practical skills, such as hand sewing
Excellent attention to detail
Speed and efficiency
Calmness under pressure
Good people skills, including a calm and tactful manner

Costume Courses

BA (Hons) Theatre Practice - Costume Construction – Central School of Speech and Drama Click Here
Theatre Costume - Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Click Here
BA (Hons) Costume Production – Rose Bruford College Click Here
BA (Hons) Costume for Performance – London College of Fashion Click Here
BA (Hons) Theatre and Screen – Costume Interpretation – Wimbledon College of Art Click Here
BA (Hons) Costume with Performance Design – Arts University Bournemouth Click Here

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

Responsibilities

Maintenance of costumes, including cleaning and mending
Assisting actors with quick costume changes

Training