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Costume Maker

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild was formed in 1989 by a group of actors in a truly co-operative spirit with the mandate to produce the works of William Shakespeare. The company presents the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage outdoor productions every summer.

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Ethnocultural Mandate

The Freewill Players is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from members of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people; disabled people; youth; and members of other equity seeking groups.

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Costume Maker to join our team for the 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This paid student position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program and is open to applicants between the ages of 15 and 30, making it ideal for someone interested in costume construction, sewing, textiles, or fashion design who is looking to gain hands-on experience in a professional theatre environment.



About the Role

The Costume Maker supports the creation, preparation, and maintenance of costumes for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. Working closely with the Head of Wardrobe and Costume Designer during pre-production, and reporting to the Production Manager and Stage Manager during the festival, this role contributes directly to the realization of the production’s visual design.


This position is designed as a mentored learning opportunity, offering practical experience in sewing, garment construction, fittings, and wardrobe operations. The Costume Maker will develop technical skills while supporting both the build process and the ongoing maintenance of costumes in a fast-paced live performance environment.



Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in constructing, altering, mending, and finishing costume pieces as directed by the Head of Wardrobe and Costume Designer

  • Support fittings by helping dress performers, taking measurements, recording notes, and implementing adjustments

  • Contribute to sewing, pattern cutting, dyeing, and other costume construction tasks appropriate to skill level

  • Maintain costumes throughout rehearsals and performances, including repairs, laundering, and emergency fixes

  • Organize and store costumes, accessories, and wardrobe equipment to ensure accessibility and garment care

  • Assist with dressing performers and supporting quick changes during performances as needed

  • Support transportation of costumes between rehearsal spaces, performance sites, and storage

  • Collaborate with wardrobe, stage management, and production teams to ensure smooth operations

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized workspace and backstage environment

  • Participate in strike, assisting with cleaning, repairs, organization, and return of costume stock to storage


Who Should Apply

This role is well suited to individuals who have:

  • An interest in costume construction, sewing, textiles, or fashion design

  • Basic sewing skills or a strong willingness to learn and develop technical abilities

  • Strong attention to detail and patience when working with garments and materials

  • The ability to work collaboratively with designers, technicians, and performers

  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment

  • A proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving

  • A commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment


Contract Details

  • Start Date: May 25, 2026

  • End Date: July 17, 2026

  • Pay: $18 per hour

  • Hours: 35 hours/week

  • Eligibility: Must meet Canada Summer Jobs Requirements for Employment

    • be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of their summer job

    • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job and

    • be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

      • this includes having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of their summer job


How to Apply

Please email proposals to info@freewillshakespeare.com with the subject line
Costume Maker – Freewill Shakespeare Festival.

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