Costume Maker

Hi I'm Clare

COSTUME
ASSISTANT | MAKER | RUNNER | TRAINEE

Currently seeking work opportunities in TV, Film & Theatre

Based in Greater Manchester - willing to travel
My work spans a wide range of skills, developed across varied and dynamic environments.

TV/film support crew, Alterations, Costume making, Wardrobe assistant, Dressing, Chaperone, Set dressing, Art Dept**Up to date Chaperone Licence until November 2028
UK driving licence - First Aid Trained - Own vehicle - Public Liability Insurance

Work

Freelance Work

Costume Luton Driver/Assistant, CBBC Odd Squad September 2026Costume maker/assistant, Bolton Octagon Theatre August/September 2026Workshop Leader, Crafty Hen May 2026 - PresentPreviously: January 2015 - January 2019
A range of roles—from leading creative workshops to pattern cutting & making, dressing, making mascots and working within beauty and styling sectors:Pattern cutting and costume constructionMascot costume fabricationAlterations and repairsWorkshop leadership and creative facilitationStyling and dressingCommissioned creative projectsWorking from client briefs and deadlines

Workshop facilitator
& creative practitioner

schoolsarts centrescommunity workshopsyouth theatreholiday clubstextile workshopsprop/costume workshopscommissionsfreelance creative projectscollaborationsinstallationsstyling/making work

About

Work Experience

Octagon Theatre, Bolton: Wardrobe Assistant
SEPTEMBER 2008 - JANUARY 2015
Supporting the costume department to ensure that all wardrobe tasks ran smoothly for each production.Costume making, alteration and prep.Breaking down.Quick changes.Laundry and Maintenance.Props and scenery handling.I also worked on stage door & box office.Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Oldham: Deputy Customer Services Manager
NOVEMBER 2007 - SEPTEMBER 2008
Front of House Manager and Bar Manager, supervising a team of over 40 volunteers and paid staff.Design and Technology Teacher
April 2017 - August 2026

Education

Liverpool John Moores University — PGCE Secondary Education , Design and Technology
SEPTEMBER 2017 - JUNE 2018
Gained Outstanding teaching practice.Liverpool Community College — Btec Level 5 Professional Diploma in Costume Development, Costume
SEPTEMBER 2008 - JULY 2009
Course completed alongside theatre costume job role, passed with Distinction.Liverpool Hope University — Bdes Design
SEPTEMBER 2004 - JUNE 2007
Degree combining expertise in textiles and metalwork with a deep understanding of design history and proficiency in CAD software.

Projects

Below is a selection of productions I’ve contributed to over the years.

Skills used include costume construction and pattern cutting, breakdown and maintenance, wigs and SFX makeup, dressing, props, stage cues, and chaperoning.

Additional Projects

I have also held exhibitions alongside working in costume displaying paintings and textile based artwork.
I researched women in 1960s textiles in Bolton using the resources at Bolton Museum Archives.
Having a fond interest in all of the arts, I have provided workshops for young people linked to the productions.I assisted on a national art project with artist Jeremy Deller 'We're Here Because' a Somme commemoration project.Using smocking techniques, working in collaboration with a team, we created Elizabethan dress that is on display at Ordsall Hall in Salford.

Artwork