Costume Coordinator

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

This position gives a unique opportunity to execute the day-to-day administration of the production wardrobe department. This position reports to the Costume Director or designate and is part of the Wardrobe Management team.   

Responsibilities:
•    Act as liaison between the Production Wardrobe department, the Stage Management team and other production departments for daily communications.
•    Communicate directly with performers and agents to coordinate pre-rehearsal fittings.
•    Coordinate with Cutters, Crafts, Wigs Show Heads and the Production Stage Manager on daily regular season fitting requests.
•    Manage machine and non-machine maintenance requests for the Wardrobe Department.
•    Support the Costume Director and Heads of Wardrobe with departmental and show related needs including paperwork, fittings and attending performances.
•    Assist with departmental record-keeping and documentation, and other daily administrative tasks, including providing training and support on departmental iPads. 
•    Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
•    Foster a caring and inclusive work environment consistent with all Stratford Festival policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
•    Other wardrobe duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
•    Minimum of 2 years’ experience in administration or management in a performing arts industry.
•    Post-secondary diploma, or equivalent work experience, in a field related to wardrobe management, theatre administration or production, stage management or costuming is required.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with an emphasis on Excel, and a familiarity with cloud-based software like Google Docs, AirTable, and iCloud.
•    Experience in theatrical costuming with an emphasis on wardrobe production is an asset.
•    Understanding of costume construction, costume history and textiles is an asset.
•    Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to multi-task and work under pressure.
•    Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in repertory theatre, experience as a Head of Wardrobe or Stage Manager, or similar experience in an equivalent field.

This Seasonal position is located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin October/November 2024.

Job Type: Full-time, Seasonal Contract

This posting closes at 5:00pm on September 2, 2024. 

Shared Values:

• Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
• Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
• Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
• Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
• Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive

Who Should Apply:

We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.

No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.