Head of Wardrobe & Wigs — Lead Costume & Hair Team

Playwright Co; Berkeley (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Professional development support

Job summary

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is seeking a Head of Wardrobe and Wigs to oversee wardrobe, wigs and hair makeup crews across seven mainstage productions and events. The role balances leadership with hands-on craft, partnering with designers, shop staff and performers to uphold the artistic vision.

The candidate should have at least 3 years in a senior wardrobe role, strong sewing and repair skills, and proficiency in Word/Excel for show paperwork and budgeting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 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, with ability to produce show paperwork and track budget expenses.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and mentorship for wardrobe, wig and makeup crews.
• Hire wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crew for all shows during the season.
• Supervise and train the Associate Wardrobe Supervisor and crews, assisting on quick changes.
• Hire, train and supervise swings for wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crews.
• Inform Stage Management and Stage Operations of space needs and collaborate on solutions.
• Assign tracks according to costume plot and run tracks when needed.
• Create dressing lists, check-in sheets, run sheets and preset lists with the Costume Director.
• Maintain the original costume and wig designs from opening to closing.
• Schedule weekly staffing and approve timesheets in Paylocity; track overhire against budget.
• Coordinate with production and design teams during tech rehearsals for wardrobe notes.
• Attend Meet and Greets and Designer Runs with wardrobe and wig crews.
• Organize wardrobe prep for shows prior to tech.
• Lead check-in and load-out of costume pieces to theater with wardrobe crew.
• Attend nightly production meetings during tech rehearsals.
• Pull and pack costumes for transport for notes during tech and previews.

Skills

Wardrobe supervision

Sewing

Fabric care

Budget tracking

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Hair/Wigs knowledge

Tools

Paylocity

Job description

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is seeking a Head of Wardrobe and Wigs to oversee wardrobe, wigs and hair makeup crews across seven mainstage productions and events. The role balances leadership with hands-on craft, partnering with designers, shop staff and performers to uphold the artistic vision.

The candidate should have at least 3 years in a senior wardrobe role, strong sewing and repair skills, and proficiency in Word/Excel for show paperwork and budgeting.