Wardrobe Manager

The Wardrobe Manager is responsible for the oversight of the wardrobe crew before, during, and after the run of the assigned production. The Wardrobe Manager is a key point of contact between the costume shop, stage managers, and performers. The Wardrobe Manager works closely with other production departments, actors, and artistic staff and must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills. The Wardrobe Manager is a leader and technician that represents Duluth Playhouse and its costume department. 

‍

Essential Duties

• Provide leadership and supervision for the wardrobe crew. 
• Train wardrobe crew under the advisement of the Costume Shop Manager, helping choreograph quick changes as needed. 
• In collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager, work with the Stage Management and Backstage Crew to coordinate quick change stations and find solutions when space needs are a challenge between departments.
• Collaborate with the Costume Shop Manager and/or Designer to create show paperwork.
• Assign Wardrobe Crew members dressing tracks. 
• Maintain the original costume and wig designs of the show from opening to closing. 
• Coach and model professional behavior in all areas of theater, especially backstage and in dressing room areas. 
• In collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager, create a laundry schedule. 
• Attend the designer run and all tech rehearsals. 
• In tech rehearsals, maintain a high level of communication between the Costume Shop Manager, Designer, Stage Manager, and crew to keep up on all the notes from each day’s progress.
• Lead check-in and load-out of costume pieces from the costume shop to the theater with the help of the wardrobe crew.
• Attend nightly production meetings during tech rehearsals.
• Supervise the daily care of costumes including informing the Costume Shop Manager of repairs, laundering, steaming, and ironing costume pieces. 
• Supervise the daily care of shoes and accessories, including informing the Costume Shop Manager of repairing and cleaning needs.
• Ensure wardrobe areas, backstage changing areas, and dressing rooms are clean, organized, and safe.
• Supervise the strike of costumes and wigs.

‍

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a  Wardrobe Supervisor or Head of Wardrobe at a comparable theater or venue.

Basic sewing and costume repair skills.

Knowledge of various cleaning techniques for fabrics, garments, and shoes.

Strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, with a demonstrated ability to produce show paperwork for training and show run under the guidance of the Costume Shop Manager.

The position requires long periods of standing, walking briskly, working in the dark, and walking up and down stairs. 

The position requires the ability to reach above head, climb, lift, and maneuver 20 pounds frequently.

Wig, hair, and makeup experience strongly preferred. 

‍

Preferred candidate will have the ability to: 

Be an excellent collaborator in the process of creating live theater.

Work in a detail-oriented manner.

Be resourceful, adaptable to change, and a creative problem solver.

Interact with a diverse group of constituents including directors, designers, artists, administrative staff, technical crews, and students.

Face demanding situations with calm, diplomacy, and sensitivity.

Mentor and direct crew members  professionally and effectively.

Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing. 

Demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competency.

Demonstrate a commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access. 

Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively. 

Successfully address and resolve contradictory interests and values of multiple parties.

Work independently and as part of a team.

‍

Application Procedure

Position available on show by show basis, with potential opportunity for longer contracts. Online submissions only. Please include a cover letter and resume; when you submit your application.