Wardrobe Supervisor
Reports to Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager
Responsibilities Include:
- Generate Wardrobe Crew paperwork in conjunction with the Costume Designer, Costume Shop Manager, and Stage Management
- Create and maintain systems and a computerized inventory of all costumes, wigs, shoes and accessories to make the Costume shop run smoothly.
- Maintain system to check in and out costumes and accessories and to provide follow-up notes to pass on the tasks to be continued by the co-workers and volunteers. This will ensure communication between the costume show designers and staff.
- Support new Costume Designers so they become familiarized with our costume department procedures.
- Supervise the wardrobe crew for each show and work with ASM to assign backstage tracks
- Act as the lead dresser for each production
- Lead the change over of all costume elements and dressing rooms for each production
- Organize the cleaning and repair of costumes after the show is over in a timely manner so that they can be put back in the costume loft for future show to use.
- Lead in the pulling, fitting, and laundering of costume elements for all Mainstage productions as well as other on-and-off-site events, collaborations, and educational programming.
- Coordinate with Production Manager on Company Management needs for outside events (travel, meals, green room and dressing room space assignments, call sheets)
- Coordinate with donors on potential costume donations
- Maintain a safe, secure, clean organized backstage, shop and workspaces
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Extensive backstage wardrobe run crew/quick change experience
- Ability to work in tight spaces for quick changes
- Maintain a positive attitude during stressful moments as a liaison between WBTT and visiting artists/actors
- Ability to quickly repair costume garments during show run
- Knowledge of costume construction and quick rigging
- Experience of an sewing machine, serger, and other costume shop equipment is a plus
- Experience with Wig Maintenance a plus
- Excellent communication and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and work quickly and accurately with attention to detail
- Driver's license a plus
Benefits and Schedule:
- WBTT produces 5 mainstage shows between September and June every season. In addition, WBTT produces or participates in a number of events, collaborations, and educational programming which keep us operating all year round!
- Weekend or evening availability occasionally required, especially during tech and load in weeks
- At least ¾ time throughout the year with individual health insurance (90% of premium covered by the company) and 403(b) retirement plan with company contributions
- Hourly pay ranging from $19-21 per hour depending on experience
Costume Shop Manager
Job Description
The Costume Shop Manager oversees the daily operations of the costume shop and wardrobe department. This position leads our costume department personnel in the successful pulling from stock, construction, alteration, maintenance of all costume pieces for all productions, Mainstage and otherwise. This position is responsible for managing staff, organizing effective workflow, and continuing costume skill education of our junior staff members. The Costume Shop Manager should maintain WBTT’s high standard in costume production while adhering to our non-profit budgets and varying timelines. The Costume Shop Manager collaborates closely with Costume Designers, Production Manager, production teams, and wardrobe staff to deliver costumes as designed, by their deadlines.
The Costume Shop Manager reports to the Production Manager
Responsibilities include:
- Supervise the construction, pulling from stock, purchasing, alteration, and fitting of all costume pieces based on designer instructions
- Work with the designer and shop hands to determine materials, fabrics, and costume construction techniques.
- Oversee and execute and collaborate on special costume projects such as distressing, dyeing, and fabric treatments as needed.
- Create and oversee costume shop schedules to ensure timely completion of all builds, alterations, and repairs.
- Manage the workload of all costume department personnel
- Ensure safe and efficient shop practices, including maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
- Monitor supply levels and coordinate with Production Manager to order materials, tools, and equipment as needed.
- Train and manage costume department personnel, ensuring a productive and positive work environment.
- Communicate effectively with costume designers, directors, and production manager to ensure design execution aligns with artistic vision.
- Provide guidance and troubleshooting for technical and construction challenges.
- Oversee costume fittings and alterations, ensuring performer comfort and mobility.
- Track and manage the costume department budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
- Maintain inventory of costume stock, supplies, and equipment.
- Coordinate costume rentals, storage, and returns when applicable.
- Assist Wardrobe team in costume maintenance and repairs throughout the run of shows. Teach necessary skills for wardrobe team members to complete repairs without supervision of the Costume Shop Manager.
- Collaborate with the wardrobe supervisor to ensure a smooth transition from costume construction to wardrobe maintenance and performance run.
- Assist in training dressers and wardrobe staff on proper costume handling, quick changes, and repairs.
- Ensure costumes remain in good condition throughout the run of each production, implementing repair and maintenance protocols as needed.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theater, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a costume shop, with supervisory experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of costume construction, pattern-making, alterations, and fabric treatments.
- Experience crafting, dyeing, wardrobe, wigs, hair, and make up.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with experience managing teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Knowledge of historical and contemporary costume styles, fabric types, and theatrical costume production techniques.
- Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to fast-paced production environments.
- Understanding of costume care, maintenance, and storage best practices.
Benefits and Schedule
- WBTT produces 5 mainstage shows between September and June every season. In addition, WBTT produces or participates in a number of events, collaborations, and educational programming which keep us operating all year round!
- Weekend or evening availability occasionally required, especially during tech and load in weeks
- Full-time, year round position with individual health insurance (90% of premium covered by the company) and 403(b) retirement plan with company contributions
- Salary dependant on experience
- 15 vacation days every season
- Position begins Monday July 28th, 2025
