CATALYST | Assistant Costume Designer – Ilford Boy
Application Deadline: 3 August 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Costume Designer, Ryan Dawson Laight and Head of Inclusion and Skills, Stacey Carr
Compensation: £135 / day
Description
Mission: Creating equitable access to the industry is a core Donmar value. CATALYST is a professional development programme for those who have been historically underrepresented at the Donmar and within the sector. We are interested in supporting artists who identify as being a part of the global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background. The programme provides key professional development for these artists to catapult their careers to the next level, preparing them to thrive and lead in the theatre sector.
About the role: As a part of the Donmar’s CATALYST professional development training programme, the role is an opportunity for outstanding, early-career artists to receive bespoke training, both practical and observational, by assisting the Designer to realise the set and costume design for a Donmar production. The goal is to gain insight into a high-level production process while developing and strengthening your skills and artistic voice.
About the Production: This production will sit in the reality of the 1980s and 1990s with an emphasis on queer fashion. It is not necessary to have significant experience in making as most items will be sourced. It is important that candidates have an eagle-eye focus on details and emotional intelligence as you will be working closely with actors as they develop their characters.
Key Responsibilities:
- Attend and take notes at rehearsals and production meetings
- Attend meetings at the workshop and other offsite locations
- Assist with sourcing costumes and costume fittings
- Collaborate with stage management team and Props Supervisor
- Attend technical rehearsals and previews, assisting as necessary
- Serve as a proactive member of the team, willing to fill any gaps that arise
Please see the attached Recruitment Pack for full details.
Terms and Dates
Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25-30 days between 31st August and 20th October at £135 per day (+1.5 day rate during tech)
AVAILABILITY Key Dates:
- 1-3 Days Introductory Work/Onboarding: Week commencing 24th August 2026
- Rehearsals Commence: 31st August 2026
- Fit Up/Tech Week: 5th to 10 October 2026
- Previews: 10th – 16th October 2026
- Press Night: 2nd October 2026
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Costume Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Experience as a lead Costume designer (or equivalent experience as a Costume Supervisor) on at least 4 fringe level productions (gained outside of a Higher Education setting as a student)
- Experience of working with professional creative teams
- Experience of working with professional technical and stage management teams
- Able to demonstrate and articulate a clear artistic vision and reason for pursuing the opportunity and why this is a crucial next step for their creative practice and career
- At least one element of your identity or an intersection of identities that is currently underrepresented in creative roles in the theatre industry (Global majority, trans, non-binary, D/deaf or disabled, neurodivergent or from a lower socio-economic background)
What You Will Receive
- Access to mentorship from a leading practitioner in the development of a large scale, ambitious production
- Mentoring support from the Head of Inclusion and Skills and the Resident Assistant Director
- Company-wide investment in your professional development where we encourage you to connect with the wider Donmar community as much as possible to gain insight into the sector at large
- A 1-hour mentoring session with a leading theatre maker post-contract
- Access to a vibrant and active Donmar trainee alumni community of emerging directors and designers which includes post-contract invites to networking mixers and Donmar productions, ongoing coaching and mentorship as needed, as well as other learning and professional development opportunities from our sector partners and beyond
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