CATALYST | Assistant Set & Costume Designer – A Month in the Country
Application Deadline: 1 June 2026
Department: Catalyst
Employment Type: Freelance
Location: Donmar Warehouse Theatre
Reporting To: Set & Costume Designer, Leslie Travers and Head of Inclusion and Skills, Stacey Carr
Compensation: £135 / day
Description
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
For this production, much of the set design will be complete and you will be given context and creative insight into the design journey, as well as have a hand in bringing the elements to life. The costume design will evolve and develop as characters are defined. Ideally, candidates will have familiarity with this design process.
We are open to candidates who have established a Set and Costume design focus, and also welcome Set Designers with a strong interest in Costume and Costume Designers with a strong interest in Set.
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
Terms and Dates
Fixed Term Freelance Contract, 25-30 days between 13 July-2 September 2026 at £135 per day (+1.5 day rate during tech)
Availability
- 1-3 Days Introductory Work/Onboarding: Week commencing 29 June and/or 6 July 2026
- Rehearsals Commence: 13 July 2026
- Fit Up/Tech Week: 17-22 August 2026
- Previews: 22-28 August 2026
- Press Night: 2 September 2026
Working hours: Flexible–dates and hours to be mutually agreed with the Set & Costume Designer and Head of Inclusion and Skills
Travel and accommodation bursaries are available for candidates based outside of London
How to apply
To apply, you will need to submit an up to date portfolio, CV and complete the online form via this Careers Page.
Please click the Apply Now button on the top right.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience as a lead Set & Costume, Set or Costume designer (or equivalent experience as a Costume Supervisor) on at least 4 fringe level productions (Higher Education productions not included)
- 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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