Head of Wardrobe & Wigs - Lead Costume Crew

Berkeley-Repertory-Theatre; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits after 90 days

85% employer-paid health insurance

Dental insurance

Job summary

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is seeking a Head of Wardrobe and Wigs to lead wardrobe, wig, and makeup crews across seven mainstage productions and special events. The role partners with Costume designers, Wig Designers, and the Costume Director to ensure wardrobe integrity and smooth show runs.

The position oversees payroll, schedules, and inventory, while upholding equity guidelines and antiracism commitments. This is a key leadership role within Berkeley Rep’s costumes department.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years professional experience as a Wardrobe Supervisor or Head of Wardrobe at a comparable theater or venue.
• Strong sewing and costume repair skills.
• Knowledge of various cleaning techniques for fabrics, garments, and shoes.
• Knowledge of theatrical costume history.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel to produce show paperwork and track budget expenses.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching and mentorship for wardrobe, wig, and hair/makeup crews.
• Hire wardrobe, wig, hair, and makeup crew for all shows during the season.
• Supervise and train staff, assisting with quick changes as needed.
• Organize swings for wardrobe and wig crews and coordinate schedules.
• Plan dressing lists, check-in sheets, run sheets, and preset lists with Costume Director.
• Maintain costume and wig designs from opening to closing.
• Set weekly schedules; approve timesheets and monitor budgeted labor.
• Communicate staffing needs and overages to the Costume Director.

Skills

Sewing

Costume repair

Fabric care

Microsoft Word

Excel

Theatrical costume history

Job description

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is seeking a Head of Wardrobe and Wigs to lead wardrobe, wig, and makeup crews across seven mainstage productions and special events. The role partners with Costume designers, Wig Designers, and the Costume Director to ensure wardrobe integrity and smooth show runs.

The position oversees payroll, schedules, and inventory, while upholding equity guidelines and antiracism commitments. This is a key leadership role within Berkeley Rep’s costumes department.