Set and costume designer - R&D
Job Overview
Job Title: Set and costume designer
Fee: £1,400
Contract: Freelance
Closing date: 25 July 2025
Location: The R&D will take place at Nottingham Playhouse and Y Theatre, Leicester.
Application form: We are only accepting applications via this Google Form. Please do not send CVs via email. For data protection purposes, any CVs sent to us via email will be deleted without being read.
Equal Opportunities: We are committed to inclusive hiring and providing equal opportunities. We welcome applications from designers of all backgrounds. Please complete our Equal Opportunities Monitoring form when applying.
About the project
We are on the lookout for a creative and dynamic set and costume designer to work with us on an exciting research and development project for my new play. The intention is to present the studio-scale theatre production in 2026, funding dependent.
Spare Goose is an unfiltered comedy which takes an intimate look at the complicated nature of female friendships and what it means for someone to always have your back, even when they don’t always understand.
When Isabelle unexpectedly barges into Kate’s toilet cubicle and refuses to leave, Kate wants answers. Answers Isabelle isn’t ready to give. But with a final bridal fitting to get to, Kate must step into her best friend’s shoes to get her to open up before she misses the appointment and disappoints her perfectionist mother. As secrets are revealed and lies are uncovered, there’s an air that things are not the same. People change. People grow. People move on. And so do friendships. Don’t they?
The development of Spare Goose is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
The role:
R&D design objectives:
During this research and development stage of the project, we want to explore design ideas and discover how of how the script could translate to stage, potentially experimenting with style, design, materials, concepts and creative solutions to ensure we develop the right fit for the show.
By the end of the R&D we would like to have a design a concept for a portable touring set that augments the script and incorporates sustainability from the outset.
As a set and costume designer you'll work closely with the production team to shape the world of the play. You’ll:
collaborate closely with the director, writer, and production team
source materials and basic props/costumes as needed (within a limited budget)
present and refine your ideas and vision for both set and costume throughout the R&D process
attend production meetings as necessary and contribute to the creative journey
work within time, space, and budget constraints with confidence and creativity
We’d love to hear from set and costume designers who:
Have at least two years of professional experience in set and costume theatre design
Have a background working in new writing and has worked through research and development phases of a play
Are excellent communicators and enthusiastic collaborators
Have experience designing for studio-scale touring shows
Are confident working within budgets and to deadlines
Are based in the Midlands or can easily commute to Nottingham Playhouse (no relocation costs provided)
Schedule
This R&D phase includes exploratory days in the rehearsal room, design development time, presentation of design to actors and collaborators, sourcing basic props and costumes within a limited budget and culminates in an industry sharing where you may potentially present design concepts to our industry audience.
You will need to be available during the project dates below:
Monday 4 August to Friday 22 August: up to 3 days R&D, specific days dependent on availability of team.
Tuesday 26 August to Wednesday 3 September: R&D/rehearsals for the sharing, you will need to be available for 3-4 days during this period
Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September: Industry sharings where you may be required to present design concepts
Application process
To apply, please apply complete our Google Form by 25 July 2025. You’ll be asked:
To provide a link to your digital portfolio
Tell us why you why you’re a great fit for the role
To complete our equal opportunities form
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet with the creative and producing team w/c 28 July 2025.