Head of Wardrobe

Company Overview

Young People’s Theatre (YPT) launches the next stage in the company’s 58-year history, co-led by Artistic Director Herbie Barnes and Executive Director Nancy Webster. This new era also marks the unveiling of YPT's expanded and renovated theatre complex, more than 10 years in the making. As Canada’s largest and oldest professional theatre for young audiences, the company produces and presents a full season of theatre and arts education programming, serving approximately 150,000 patrons annually. With the purchase of a multi-use building across the street from its historic theatre, YPT has expanded its footprint, increased its accessibility, refreshed its lobbies, and upgraded the theatrical equipment capabilities of its 433-seat Mainstage and 115-seat Studio. United in vision, the two facilities now anchor the corner of Front and Frederick streets in downtown Toronto creating Canada’s largest theatre complex for young people. With its broad-ranging educational programs and exceptional productions, the company has an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million. The family-friendly employee culture at YPT (given that hours are primarily daytime) encourages ingenuity, teamwork, and an atmosphere of learning. In fact, learning is at the centre of everything we do.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate and manage the costume realization process for all produced shows: from feasibility of preliminary and final designs through pre-production, construction, fittings, technical rehearsals, opening, performance run, and closing wrap-up.
• Budget, cost and source materials for all produced shows.
• Maintain flow of information related to wardrobe between designers, technical director, stage management, and other production staff.
• Hire, schedule and oversee wardrobe department employees, contractors  to realize costume designs
• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the wardrobe shop, its staff and its equipment and supplies.
• Assist guest presentation companies with wardrobe maintenance and emergencies.
• Oversee and coordinate wardrobe warehouse stock and rentals.
• Assist with and participate in YPT Education & Participation programs and events.
• Adhere to, implement and enforce YPT’s Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• A post-secondary degree or certificate in a theatre arts or fashion arts program or 5 years equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Head of Wardrobe with a producing theatre company.
• Thorough working knowledge of the wardrobe design process.
• Knowledge of wardrobe construction techniques.
• A strong understanding of wardrobe fabrics and notions.
• A working knowledge of wigs, make-up, masks, shoes and fabric dyeing.
• Excellent coordination and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities and ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience with show costing, budget tracking, material purchasing, and equipment replacement.
• Experience creating production schedules and managing shop staff.
• Creative problem solving skills a must.
• Proficient computer knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Good working knowledge of the Toronto area in terms of shopping for wardrobe fabric and supplies.
• A valid and current Class G Driver’s License and a clean driving record.