Wardrobe Supervisor

Philadelphia Ballet; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Philadelphia Ballet is seeking a Wardrobe Supervisor to lead wardrobe operations for company, PBII, and SPB. This full-time role collaborates with the Wardrobe Manager/Head of Costumes and dancers to maintain costumes, manage over-hire staff, and supervise packing, inventory, and maintenance for all performances.

The position requires strong sewing skills, budget experience, and the ability to work discreetly with dancers. Regular hours plus performance schedule travel apply.

Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in wardrobe or related position.
• Experience in budget preparation and management.
• Excellent sewing, stitching, and altering skills.
• Knowledge of classical and romantic tutus is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Oversee over-hire staff, including assigning the daily work and alterations.
• Draft and distribute IATSE Wardrobe letters outlining work weeks.
• Collaborate with HR to engage over hires during the season.
• Prepare and submit wardrobe payroll to the GM/Director.
• Maintain costumes for main company and SPB; pre/show and post/show care.
• Oversee wardrobe inventory, packing/unpacking, and rentals.
• Attend production and technical rehearsals; ensure budget compliance.
• Create a discreet, professional environment when working with dancers.
• Ensure backstage wardrobe spaces and storage remain clean and organized.
• Oversee wardrobe budget and expense tracking across productions.

Skills

Sewing

Budget management

Communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

College degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary/Objective:

The Wardrobe Supervisor is a full-time position responsible for providing comprehensive support to the Wardrobe Manager/Head of Costumes for the costume maintenance, preshow, and post-show needs for all Philadelphia Ballet performances, for Company, Philadelphia Ballet II and School of Philadelphia Ballet. The Wardrobe Supervisor works closely with the Wardrobe Manager/Head of Costumes and Philadelphia Ballet dancers and is required to handle issues with discretion.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee over-hire staff, including assigning the daily work, and in altering and repairing costumes for all Philadelphia Ballet Company, PBII and SPB performances
• Draft and distribute Individual IATSE Wardrobe letters outlining work weeks annually.
• Collaborate with HR to engage over hires during the season
• Prepare and submit wardrobe payroll to General Manager/Director of Artistic Operations
• Ensure dancer minimums are met according to the AGMA Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Attend production meetings, artistic meetings, studio run throughs, and technical rehearsals as necessary
• Work closely with production and artistic teams to run all productions efficiently
• Oversee wardrobe expense, payroll and shoe budget to remain within established Wardrobe budget
• Act as the wardrobe supervisor for all Philadelphia Ballet II and SPB performances
• Oversee the packing and unpacking process for PBII and SPB productions and runouts
• Maintain costumes for the main company, and SPB which include pre-show, and post-show needs for all performances.
• Restocking, cleaning, and maintaining costume storage and workspaces as requested.
• Participate in house costume build process including pulling, patterning, stitching, and draping.
• Order or request needed sewing supplies
• Oversee Philadelphia Ballet’s wardrobe inventory.
• Confirm inventory of costume rentals when received in shop.
• Prepare costumes prior to outgoing rentals.
• Confirm correct inventory is prepared for return to warehouse, or shipping back to rental company.
• Organize and maintain inventory in storage.
• Create a comfortable work environment prioritizing discretion when working intimately with the dancers to manage concerns
• When at the theater:
  • Oversee wardrobe backstage needs for all mainstage productions and educational matinees as scheduled.
  • Maintenance and cleaning of costumes during all production runs, including doing show laundry
  • Maintain backstage wardrobe spaces including dressing rooms quick change booths, and any storage shelves, racks, or tables in a clean and orderly manner.
  • Takedown and pack up wardrobe following performances
• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Expected Hours of Work:

Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend workasrequiredfor the performance schedule and technical rehearsal schedule.

Travel:

Travel is primarily locally during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected.

Required Education and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in wardrobe or related position
• Experience in budget preparation and management
• Excellent sewing, stitching, and altering skills
• Experience altering and repairing men's and women's costumes. The costume complexity ranges from simple garments to multi-piece, extremely delicate costumes
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in wardrobe maintenance and laundry
• Knowledge of classical and romantic tutus isrequired
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to keep calm under pressure and remain tactful in stressful situations
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to read and create detailed paperwork
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively in a professional manner with staff, co-workers and union partners
• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
• Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas.
• Take appropriate steps to promote and enforce safe work practices within each area of responsibility in accordance with policies and protocols

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Must have access to a car and/or reliable transportation.
• Must pass criminal background checks as required for role

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Philadelphia Ballet is committed to the principles of equality in employment.

The Ballet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and Federal Executive Orders, and provides an equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons.

We prohibit discrimination in employment based on characteristics protected by applicable law, including race, ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify or expression, familial status, pregnancy, domestic or sexual violence victim status, disability, service in the armed forces of the United States, or an individual’s status as a covered veteran.