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Location: Watford, London, UK | Email: Helena.a.rose29@gmail.com | 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/helena-rose-59747946

Professional Summary

Innovative and results-driven creative leader with extensive experience in large-scale costume performance management and costume, puppet and creature fabrication across theatre, film, television, and themed entertainment. Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams of 60+, managing complex budgets exceeding £500,000, and delivering 30+ high-profile projects annually on time and under budget. Skilled at streamlining backstage operations, driving organisational change and balancing creative vision with operational goals. Passionate about fostering inclusive, high-performing teams and implementing data-driven solutions that deliver measurable results.

Core Skills

Leadership & Management: Strategic planning, team development, stakeholder engagement, organisational change, DEI initiatives.

Project Delivery: Budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, vendor management, H&S compliance.

Creative Expertise: Puppet and creature fabrication (foam, plastazote, fur, fleece, sculpting, patterning), advanced sewing, alterations, complex show running, rapid repairs. 

Technical Skills: Excel, Tableau, Power Bi (Data analytics and reporting), Parim (bespoke scheduling software), #Diese (bespoke planning software).

Key Strengths: Creative problem-solving, process improvement, attention to detail, cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Professional Experience

Consultant | Manager | Creative Contributor

Freelance | Apr 2023 – Present, Sep 2004 – Sep 2011

  • Collaborate with studios, including Talk to the Hand Puppets and Chris Barlow Puppets and Creatures, on projects for companies including Legoland, CBeebies and LNER. Consistently remaining faithful to existing IP, ensuring creative intent and prioritising performer safety.

  • Contributed to advertising campaigns (LNER, Quorn), TV productions (Michael McIntyre’s Big Show), and films (Sonic the Hedgehog 3).

  • Maintain and prepare puppets for camera, ensuring durability and adherence to creative direction.

  • Deliver accurate project budgets and R&D solutions aligned with creative vision and stakeholder expectations.

Senior Costume Performance Manager

Royal Opera and Ballet | Nov 2020 – Apr 2023

Assistant Costume Performance Manager - Promoted

Royal Opera and Ballet | Sept 2018 - Nov 2020

Costume Performance Technician - Promoted

Royal Opera and Ballet | Aug 2016 – Sept 2018

  • Led a team of 60+, delivering 30+ major productions annually, under tight timelines with high artistic standards.

  • Oversaw £200k staffing and £300k+ production budgets annually. Delivered 95% of productions under budget.

  • Developed and implemented data-driven scheduling and budgeting systems, improving forecasting accuracy.

  • Led post-pandemic restructure, merging two teams with opposing working practices into a cohesive, high performing unit, despite 30% staff cuts.

  • Championed DEI initiatives, increasing team diversity by 40% and leading to 91.7% staff retention annually.

  • Coordinated international tours and global co-producer handovers, ensuring seamless costume operations globally.

Deputy Wardrobe Manager

Royal Shakespeare Company | Matilda the Musical | Aug 2015 – Aug 2016

Costume Assistant

Royal Shakespeare Company | Matilda the Musical | Sep 2011 – Aug 2015

  • Managed and mentored team of 8, ensuring seamless costume operations for West End productions.

  • Directed and coached team members through complex alterations, fittings and garment construction.

  • Oversaw budgets, petty cash, and reporting ensuring compliance and accuracy.

  • Liaised between creative and technical teams to deliver fast responses to production changes.

Early Career Highlights

Head of Wardrobe: Calendar Girls National Tour, Regents Park Open Air Theatre (2 seasons), Johann Strauss Gala National Tour (4 seasons).
Deputy Head of Wardrobe: Flashdance National Tour, Polar Bears (Donmar Warehouse), Peter Pan (Kensington Gardens).

Education

University of Leeds — BA (Hons) Performance Design and Production, 2:1

Volunteering & Advocacy

  • Speaker at UK Parliament APPG for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers.

  • Campaign for mental health policy change and systemic improvements.