Jobs (Drumheller): Head of Wardrobe – Badlands Amphitheatre

Theatre Alberta; Drumheller; On-site; CAD 7,000 - 9,000; Full time

Job summary

A local theatre company in Drumheller is seeking a Head of Wardrobe for their 2025 production of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play. The ideal candidate will manage the costume shop, coordinate fittings, and supervise staff. Previous theatre wardrobe experience is essential, along with strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure. This contract position runs from May 27 to July 26, with starting compensation at $7,700 based on experience. Accommodation and meals are provided during the contract.

Benefits

Accommodation available

Meals provided on weekends

Qualifications

• Previous Head of Wardrobe experience is a huge asset.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to delegate according to skill set.
• Proficient in cutting and drafting patterns.
• Confident using sewing machines and sergers.
• Experience in costume construction and fittings.
• Ability to multitask and remain adaptable.
• Experience managing a budget is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day to day workings of the costume shop.
• Coordinate with the Costume Designer and Production Team.
• Supervise Wardrobe Staff and oversee costume maintenance.
• Document costume piece assignments for actors.
• Assist with costume pre-sests and quick-changes during performances.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Delegation

Pattern making

Sewing machine proficiency

Costume construction

Flexibility in work environment

Budget management

Documenting processes

Job description

About the Role

The Badlands Amphitheatre is looking for a Head of Wardrobe for their 2025 production of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play in Drumheller, AB. The Canadian Badlands Passion Play tells an epic story of faith, hope & love based on the life of Christ. It is performed on Canada’s largest outdoor stage, with a company formed of professional and semi‑professional actors (supplemented by volunteer actors), working with a professional crew.

Job Description

The Head of Wardrobe manages the day to day workings of the costume shop and stitchers. They coordinate with the Costume Designer, Production Team, and Stage Management Team to ensure a smooth production process from setting up the department, managing fittings, running quick changes, assisting with costume repairs/alterations, to cleaning and striking costume stock for the off season.

Duties

• Supervising Wardrobe Staff in the efficient set‑up, operation, and maintenance of the Wardrobe Department Workshop, its costume stock, and equipment.
• Overseeing the construction, alteration, and repair of costume stock and working with Wardrobe Stitchers/Costumers to ensure that the work is completed in a timely manner.
• Coordinating with Stage Management to schedule and practice quick change rehearsals as required.
• Catalogue and Sync On Set all costume pieces that are given to the actor, including when and how they wear each piece.
• Document the ongoing progress of the building of a specific costume piece for a character, eg, “headgear is not in breakdown” or “gloves are being stitched”.
• Helping to input actor and costume data (with photographs) during costume fittings, and instructing actors on the proper wearing and laundering of the costume, including the removal of modern accessories (watches, sunglasses etc).
• Managing and assisting with costume pre‑sets and quick‑changes during Dress Rehearsals and Performances backstage (in collaboration with Stage Management).
• Coordinating and assisting Wardrobe Staff with the laundering of show laundry during Dress Rehearsals and Performances.
• Working with the Stage Management Team to coordinate costume returns after the final performance.
• Overseeing and assisting in the laundering, packing up, and winter storage of wardrobe stock and equipment during strike.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Previous Head of Wardrobe experience is a huge asset, previous theatre (or film) wardrobe experience is required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills. Can confidently think ahead to manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Needs to be able to delegate according to skill set, speed, and accuracy.
• Proficient in cutting and drafting patterns.
• Confident using sewing machines and sergers, with knowledge on how to fix/troubleshoot them.
• Needs to be proficient/have experience in costume construction, quick changes, fittings, alterations, and following a costume track.
• Able to multitask as well as remain flexible and adaptable to a dynamic work environment.
• Able to remain calm and level headed under pressure.
• Previous experience managing and keeping a budget is an asset.
• Comfortable with using a computer for documenting processes, fittings, costume pieces etc.

Important Information

• This is a contract position from May 27 – July 26.
• The amphitheatre is an outdoor venue. We rehearse and perform in all kinds of weather, and on all kinds of terrain. While the wardrobe team does most of their work indoors, they will be working outside during the performances as well as a few rehearsals as required.
• The work week is six (6) days long with Tuesdays off, hours vary from day to day. During performances the work week shifts to three (3) days on and four (4) days off.
• Compensation is a contract amount starting at $7,700 depending on experience.
• Accommodations available.
• Meals are provided every Saturday (lunch) and Sunday (brunch).
• During the performances our crew backstage is required to be in costume.