Wardrobe Assistant

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 Department, working directly with all members of the costume construction team. This position is intended for early career costume professionals and offers the successful candidate the opportunity to experience a wide range of everyday activities within a production wardrobe department. Successful applicants for this position may be required to take a supervised, in-person sewing test to determine their level of expertise, to be scheduled at a time of mutual convenience.

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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 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.
•  Post-secondary diploma, or equivalent education and/or experience, in costume construction or theatre production is an asset.

 This Seasonal position is located in Stratford, Ontario, with contract dates of February 3, 2025 – August 16, 2025.

 Job Type: Seasonal Contract