Costume Cutter - Tailoring Specialist (Seasonal)

Company Overview

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!

Job Description

This unionized position reports to the Costume Director or designate and is part of the Production Wardrobe team. Experience working in a repertory theatre environment is an asset.  

Responsibilities:

• Interpret sketches and design references and take direction from designers to ensure all elements of costume design are realized in the final product.
• Execute the drafting and cutting of all built costume pieces, with a specialized focus on traditional and/or modern tailoring techniques.
• Supervise the construction of all built costumes and the alteration of all other costumes, as required.
• Request and attend all fittings for assigned costumes.
• Work closely with Heads of Wardrobe to deliver finished costumes within time and budgetary constraints, including regular updates on estimated hours to complete.
• Manage workloads and timelines in a repertory schedule, including balancing the needs of multiple productions and designers simultaneously.
• Direct a team of multiple sewers and provide training, instruction, and evaluations, as required.
• Attend all meetings, rehearsals, and technical events, as required.
• Oversee regular shop maintenance tasks and liaise with Wardrobe Management to manage shop supply stock and repair requests.
• 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:

• Demonstrated proficiency in suit making, tailoring and period menswear construction.
• Professional experience working in the field of theatrical costume construction.
• Knowledge of costume history, modern and period silhouettes and how to adapt them for theatrical costumes. Familiarity with women’s and children’s clothing, corsetry, structural shapes, and knitwear is an asset.
• Thorough understanding of the costume design and construction processes and a working knowledge of all related aspects of theatre production.
• Ability to work productively under pressure and successfully manage the demands of multiple productions simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to manage a team professionally and effectively. Supervisory experience is an asset.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Experience working with iPads and Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience as a Tailor in a professional theatre company, film industry or equivalent. 

This seasonal position is located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin January 2025.

Job Type: Full-time Seasonal Contract