About this job
The Wardrobe Assistant is responsible for coordinating and maintaining fitting rooms and adjacent areas to support costume fittings and production needs. This role involves preparing required items for fittings, organizing inventory, completing sewing tasks, assisting costume construction teams, and ensuring a clean, efficient, and well-stocked workspace. Reporting to the Costume Director, the Wardrobe Assistant collaborates with wardrobe, design, and buying teams to facilitate costume movement between venues and maintain stock of notions and fabrics. This position also supports the general upkeep of wardrobe areas and the smooth operation of costume department activities across productions and venues.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate, monitor and maintain all fitting rooms and adjacent areas.
Provide wardrobe and design teams with all required items before and during fittings.
Ensure fitting rooms and storage areas are fully stocked and tidy.
Label inventory in actors’ personal boxes for each production.
Complete sewing tasks, as required, including building laundry labels, dress shields and mic packs.
Work with the Costume Buyers to tidy, maintain and inventory notions and fabric stock.
Assist on costume construction tasks in both wardrobe and crafts areas, as available.
Work with wardrobe and design teams to coordinate the movement of costumes between Festival venues.
Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within the reporting structure.
Foster a caring and inclusive work environment consistent with all Stratford Festival policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in costume construction or theatre production is an asset.
1 to 2 years of related experience
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Willingness to take direction, adopt new techniques and methods, and learn new skills.
Ability to self-motivate and work independently, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage time effectively.
Proficiency in hand and machine sewing and a knowledge of basic costume construction techniques.
Behavioural Competencies:
Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance
Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods
Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions