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Job Title


Head of Wardrobe


Company : The University of Alberta


Location : Edmonton,


Created : 2026-04-27


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Position Type Support Staff - Regular Recurring College/Administrative Portfolio College of Social Sciences + Humanities Faculty/Department Arts Annual Salary Range $70,597.80 to $97,709.52 (Pro-rated) Job Description This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton. This position has an active period of 10 months. The Department of Drama seeks an individual for a Head of Wardrobe position. The Department of Drama offers both Professional and Liberal Arts programs centred on Theatre and Performance Studies. The Department is seated at the University of Alberta, a top four research institution, and as such research and creative activity are highly valued. The department has a complete complement of vibrant BA, BFA, MA, MFA and PhD programs which cover a wide range of theatrical specializations. This position reports to the Academic Department Manager for Productions and Operations in Fine Arts. The ADM oversees the Production and Operations team (ProdOps), which supports all three Fine Arts departments: Drama, Art & Design and Music in some form or fashion. The Prod Ops office is a hub for all things Production and is a high-functioning, fast-paced team of dedicated professionals aimed at elevating the means of production in all spaces. The Drama department is also supported by a shared Academic Administrative team. The Head of Wardrobe is the primary wardrobe manager for productions in the Department of Drama in both the Timms Centre for the Arts and Fine Arts Building (FAB). The position supports student experience through the management and supervision of all costume details related to Drama''s performances. The Head of Wardrobe oversees the whole costume shop team, the shop facilities, and specialty related-equipment. As such the successful candidate possesses a comprehensive background in theatrical costuming in parallel with the artistic and interpersonal skills which befit an institution which nurtures and challenges the next generation of theatrical theorists and practicing professionals. Responsibilities Some key responsibilities of The Head of Wardrobe are: Manages the execution of graduate student/ faculty designs for Studio Theatre productions. Oversees the execution of undergraduate student designs for FAB productions (Approximately 12+ presentations per year). Responsible for costing the costume designs, sourcing costume elements and materials, fabricating and altering costumes, advising on the functional elements of design choices, maintaining show budgets and adhering to deadlines. Responsible for ensuring proper caretaking of costume resources and Department assets; including storage, repair, retrieval and assessing intended use of costumes. Responsible for supporting the delivery of Dramas academic programs in areas that pertain to costume design, production, and character creation. Supports students in all aspects of production relating to costume and costume design, as well as actors wearing costumes. Supervises the Fine Arts Costumers delivery of the FAB Productions and classroom projects. Supervises the Costume Cutters work on productions with students and faculty. Supervises casual staff as needed. Responsible for providing instruction and direction to staff and practicum students in relation to draping, pattern drafting, construction techniques including machine and hand sewing, dye/fabric painting, millinery, costume tracking and maintenance, and workplace health and safety. Communicates effectively with team members across the Department of Drama throughout the production and instruction processes. Works collaboratively with the Drama Production Coordinator and other production department heads. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Any one of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design or Clothing and Textile, or Technical Diploma from a post-secondary institution teaching construction of clothing or costumes for the theatre. 6-8 years of theatre costuming experience is required with 3-4 years experience in Wardrobe or Costume Shop Management in a Performing Arts industry; regional theatre, technical theatre, Demonstrated ability to manage a busy production shop, oversee smooth operation of equipment, maintain stock of essential supplies, ensuring efficient resource use, and the collaborative use of shared space supporting multiple projects in tandem. Thorough knowledge of the means of Costume Construction, drafting patterns, cutting and draping fabrics, hand and machine sewing, measuring, altering and recreating existing costumes to fit specific actors, as well as the properties and suitability of fabrics, maintenance and dyeing of fabrics and a wide range of sewing applications is required. Skills and understanding of the many different costume fabrication techniques that pertain to historical and modern styles, knowledge of period costume silhouettes and styles as well as accurate period fabric characteristics. Extensive experience in the operations of domestic and industrial sewing machines, boiler tank irons and domestic and industrial sergers. Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to manage a range of production activities and demands on a day to day basis and ability to prioritize to meet deliverables. Excellent interpersonal communication skills and problem-solving ability. Experience with management and training of others. Must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) drivers license. Reliable means of transportation outside of typical working hours. Willingness to receive CPR/ Basic First Aid and WHMIS credentials. Preferred Qualifications Flexible schedule including occasional nights and/or weekends during technical rehearsal periods. Experience with production resource inventory tools is highly desirable. Experience in a post secondary institution is desirable but not required. Experience with CAEA agreements and DOT policy is a plus Familiarity with IATSE agreements and working rules is a plus. Physical Considerations Ability to navigate stairs and access elevated work areas. Ability to lift up to 45lbs and manipulate overhead loads of up to 25lbs. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time Ability to complete tasks that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills Comfort working with industrial costume related equipment that involve hot surfaces, powered mechanical parts and sharp edges, points and cutting implements. The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Mtis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Mtis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr