Head of Wardrobe

Company Overview

The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre exists to celebrate the widest spectrum of theatre art. Deeply rooted in the province of Manitoba, which gave it life and provides for its growth, Royal MTC aspires to both reflect and engage the community it serves. Canada’s oldest regional theatre, Royal MTC produces ten plays at two venues, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, extensive engagement, outreach and educational activities, and an annual Regional Tour each season. RoyalMTC.ca

Job Description

HEAD OF WARDROBE

Position Type: Permanent Full-Time Seasonal from September to May (33 – 36 weeks)

Reporting to the Director of Production and working alongside a talented and experienced team, the Head of Wardrobe delivers the vision of designers through the execution of all costumes and details, management of the wardrobe team, and oversight of wardrobe facilities/ wardrobe-related equipment. This position works with a dedicated support team including a Buyer and Senior Cutter with supplementary support as required on a per-production basis. Our Wardrobe team is known nationally for quality, artistry and consistency. This is an opportunity to lead a critical department in a community that values and supports arts and culture.

This is a permanent seasonal position from September to May of each year. Winnipeg offers opportunities for qualified wardrobe professionals to work in the summer months in the performing arts and our thriving film sector. The start date for this position has some flexibility but ideally would be in the Fall of 2023.

Responsibilities:
• Coordination of all wardrobe construction activities, Including:
o Ensuring that wardrobe construction stays on schedule and within budgets.
o Communicating appropriate construction methods to team
• Patternmaking & Cutting
• Working with designers to translate plans to what’s on stage and ensure appropriate departmental resource allocation.
• Liaising with stage management with regards to scheduling fittings, establishing rehearsal requirements, etc.
• Management of the wardrobe shop and related personnel.
• Assisting with the recruitment of wardrobe personnel.
• Assisting the Director of Production with wardrobe department budgeting and cost estimation for all designs in advance of construction.
• Collaborating with Shopper and Accounting departments in the tracking and reporting all wardrobe and related expenditures
• Overseeing the purchasing of costume pieces, fabrics and accessories.
• Ensuring all wardrobe activities are performed safely and in accordance with company policy, practice, and procedures.

Qualifications:
• Graduate of a recognized theatre wardrobe training school or have equivalent working experience.
• Sound working knowledge of techniques and materials commonly utilized by theatrical wardrobe departments.
• Experience organizing and leading a wardrobe department.
• Thorough working knowledge of historical costume styles and fashions.
• Experience cutting and performing fittings/ alterations with actors is required.
• Tailoring skills are an asset.
• Available to work weekends as required.

About Winnipeg
Winnipeg offers affordable housing, a thriving arts and music culture, friendly and welcoming neighbourhoods, beautiful warm summers with easy access to lakes, and a bracing winter experience that is brag-worthy. Yes, it’s a dry cold, but it’s a warm community. A moving allowance is available should the successful candidate be from out-of-town.

Salary and Benefits
Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The range for this position is $29.00 - $31.00 Hourly with a standard 40-hour week. Overtime to be paid at the conclusion of the season. The position offers a comprehensive benefits plan with dental and extended health along with a matching RRSP (3%) that starts after the qualifying period.
Interested candidates are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to Russell Martin at rmartin@royalmtc.ca by Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. We thank all candidates for their interest; however only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Commitment
As demonstrated by our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Commitment to Action, Royal MTC is on a deliberate and strategic path to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and to becoming an anti-racist organization. We desire to attract a workforce that reflects and shares these values. Recognizing the history of underrepresentation of Indigenous, Black, and people of colour (IBPOC) leadership positions in our company, we will prioritize qualified individuals who self-identify as IBPOC.
If you require additional accommodations or have any questions about this role, please email hr@royalmtc.ca.

COVID-19 Protocols
In order to ensure appropriate health and safety, all Royal MTC staff are required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to starting employment, and expected to comply with current policies for indoor masking requirements, which may evolve at any time.