Head of Wardrobe

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.

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 an experienced and collaborative Head of Wardrobe to join the production leadership team for the 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This department-head position leads all wardrobe operations, ensuring that the Costume Designer’s vision is fully realized while fostering a supportive, educational, and professional working environment for the wardrobe team.

About the Role

The Head of Wardrobe oversees costume construction, alterations, fittings, maintenance, and backstage wardrobe operations throughout the festival. Working closely with the Costume Designer and Production Manager, the Head of Wardrobe manages schedules, materials, and personnel to ensure costumes are completed, maintained, and presented at a high professional standard.

This role combines hands-on costume expertise with leadership, mentorship, and administrative oversight. The Head of Wardrobe supervises and supports wardrobe crew, interns, and volunteers, cultivating strong technical skills, professional practices, and an understanding of wardrobe operations within a festival production context.

Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Costume Designer and Production Manager to review designs, cost costumes, and develop wardrobe schedules
Select, supervise, and mentor wardrobe crew, providing hands-on guidance in construction, alterations, fittings, maintenance, and dressing
Manage wardrobe crew schedules to ensure efficient workflow and meet production timelines
Oversee wardrobe materials and laundry budgets, communicating with the Production Manager as spending approaches established thresholds
Maintain the quality, organization, and readiness of all costumes, footwear, headpieces, and accessories
Maximize the use of Free Will Players Theatre Guild wardrobe stock where appropriate
Coordinate fittings and wardrobe support at rehearsal locations as required
Manage specialty cleaning, maintenance, and storage of costumes
Foster a collaborative, educational, and safety-conscious wardrobe environment

Who Should Apply

This role is well suited to individuals who have:

Have experience in theatrical costuming, wardrobe management, or production design
Are confident leaders with strong mentoring and supervisory skills
Are highly organized and comfortable managing schedules and budgets
Are committed to fostering a learning environment and developing emerging wardrobe professionals
Enjoy collaborative work with designers, production staff, and performers

Contract Details

Start Date: May 12, 2026
End Date: July 16, 2026
Compensation: $26.50 per hour
Hours: Up to 40 hours per week

How to Apply

Please email a cover letter and resume to pm@freewillshakespeare.com with the subject line:
Head of Wardrobe – Freewill Shakespeare Festival