Design Assistant 2023

Are you passionate about design in all its forms? Do you have experience working in theatre or film, or are you a theatre course graduate? Are you able to demonstrate technical drawing skills? Do have experience of model making? Are you looking to join a creative department? Do you thrive in a busy, varied environment?

We are looking for a Design Assistant to join our Drawing Office at our Scenic Workshops in Stratford-upon-Avon. This role requires you to support incoming designers which can include, but is not limited to, model-making, technical drawings and prop making.

In this role you will see first-hand how the Royal Shakespeare Company works. You will experience the creative processes from a range of brilliant designers and learn how ideas are translated from the workshop to the stage.  This is an exciting job where no two projects are the same, you will be working in a multi-disciplinary and creative environment, where you will see your work transform and come to life on our stages.

What will you be doing?

• Supporting in the creation of productions for the RSC (assisting may involve but is not limited to: model-making, technical drawing, prop buying, fabric sampling, research, and basic admin etc.)
• Supporting freelance designers on research trips during their work on RSC productions
• Collate, distribute, and curate all necessary design information and specifications to all Production, Technical and Workshop staff as required.
• Attending relevant design meetings (with Director, Production Manager etc.)
• To observe and keep up to date all design notes provided during rehearsals.
• Maintaining the Design Room ensuring supplies and housekeeping are in good order
• Creating and maintaining RSC model boxes to a high standard

Who are we looking for? 

You will have:

• Excellent understanding of theatre design
• Model making skills to a high standard
• Technical drawing skills
• Proficient in AutoCAD or similar CAD software for 2D drawing
• Painting skills
• Good communications skills and high degree of motivation

Applicants should have relevant practical experience of work in theatre or film/television design or be graduates of a technical theatre course.

This is a full-time, fixed term role for 12 months, where you will be working 44 hours per week, Monday to Friday with occasional weekend and evening work. There may also be a need to travel to London on occasion.

Access and Inclusion

We are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, and welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

We offer support and resources to aid access to the application and interview process, as well as the role itself, should you be successful. 

Application Process

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. Interviews will take place week commencing 24 April, with a provisional start date of May/June 2023.

About the RSC

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusion, ambition, and innovation. We act with respect, show leadership, and build resilient ways of working in all our activities.

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.

The Royal Shakespeare Company is a registered charity.