Wardrobe Assistant

Canada; Toronto; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension plan

Professional development

Employee discounts

Inclusive environment

Job summary

Canada’s National Ballet School is seeking a Wardrobe Assistant to support sewing, alterations, and costume prep for professional and youth programs. You will assist fittings, help prepare tutus and rehearsal wear, and maintain costumes for performances.

The role emphasizes teamwork, meticulous organization, and respect for diverse bodies and identities within a collaborative Wardrobe environment.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary training in fashion or costume production or equivalent practical experience.
• At least one year sewing or garment construction experience.
• Knowledge of fabrics, care, and basic alterations required.

Responsibilities

• Sew, alter, repair costumes and rehearsal wear; assist with fittings
• Organize and maintain costume inventory and care
• Coordinate with Wardrobe Co-Heads and teachers on costume needs and fittings
• Maintain clean, safe Wardrobe workspace and operate equipment properly
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Skills

Sewing

Garment construction

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Fashion/costume training

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Job description

Are you a creative, detail-oriented sewing professional who enjoys working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the position of Wardrobe Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your sewing and garment construction skills to support our dancers, help maintain costumes and rehearsal wear, and contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that brings dance training and performances to life.

About Us:

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. With 300+ employees, NBS supports programs ranging from professional ballet training and community engagement to groundbreaking health initiatives. NBS fosters a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion, innovation, and continuous growth.

The Role:

Reporting to the Wardrobe Co-Heads, the Wardrobe Assistant provides sewing, alteration, repair, costume preparation, and organizational support for the Professional Ballet Program (PBP) and Young Dancers Program (YDP).

Working closely with the Wardrobe Co-Heads, teachers, students, and other NBS employees, you will help ensure costumes and rehearsal wear are prepared, maintained, organized, and ready for classes, rehearsals, and performances. You will also assist with costume fittings, garment modifications, laundering, and inventory while maintaining a safe, organized, and inclusive Wardrobe environment.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• You’ll use your sewing and garment construction skills to support aspiring dancers and contribute to the performing arts
• You’ll work alongside an experienced Wardrobe team in a collaborative and creative environment
• You’ll contribute to the preparation and care of costumes used in dance classes, rehearsals, and performances
• You’ll have opportunities to develop your costume preparation, alteration, and repair skills
• You’ll help create a welcoming and respectful environment that recognizes diverse bodies, identities, cultures, and individual needs
• You’ll be part of a leading Canadian arts and education institution committed to inclusion, learning, and continuous growth.

What You’ll Do:

• Sewing and Costume Preparation: Perform sewing, alterations, and repairs, and assist with the construction and modification of costumes and rehearsal wear. Prepare costumes and rehearsal wear for classes, rehearsals, and performances, including assisting with fittings and the preparation of tutus, leotards, and other costume pieces
• Costume Care and Organization: Organize, label, launder, repair, and maintain costumes and rehearsal wear, including inventory, storage, and preservation
• Program and Performance Support: Coordinate with Wardrobe Co-Heads, the Head of CDP, and YDP teachers on costume requirements and student fittings, following established safety and supervision procedures. Support busy production periods, performances, and special events
• Wardrobe Maintenance and Collaboration: Maintain an organized workspace, safely operate Wardrobe equipment, and collaborate with colleagues and students while respecting diverse bodies, identities, cultures, and individual needs
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What You Bring:

First and foremost, we value individuals who bring practical sewing skills, attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment.

• Post-secondary education, coursework, or training in fashion, costume production, garment construction, textiles, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• At least one year of experience in sewing, garment construction, costume production, alterations, or a related area
• Intermediate sewing skills, with working knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, costume care, and basic alterations and repairs
• Ability to operate industrial straight stitch and serger sewing machines and basic Wardrobe equipment safely
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to follow instructions and manage competing priorities
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully with children and youth from diverse backgrounds
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging, with sensitivity to diverse bodies, identities, cultures, and individual needs
• Asset: Experience in a performing arts, dance, theatre, or educational environment

Compensation:

$25.50 per hour, commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity

Work Schedule:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, between 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Occasional extended hours may be required during busy production and performance periods

Total Rewards:

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Dental, Health, Paramedical, Short- & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Commitment to work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities
• Discounted rates for NBS Adult Ballet Classes
• Employee discount at The Shoe Room, our dance retail store
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities to participate in employee engagement initiatives

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility:

NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization, including programs, policies, and practices. It is NBS' top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy. This will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.

Please note: This role is for an existing vacancy.