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Wardrobe Assistant

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 detail-oriented and collaborative Wardrobe Assistant 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 design, wardrobe management, or theatre production who is looking to gain hands-on experience in a professional live performance environment.



About the Role

The Wardrobe Assistant 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 visual and practical execution of each production.


This position is designed as a mentored learning opportunity, offering practical experience in costume construction, garment care, fittings, and backstage operations. The Wardrobe Assistant will develop hands-on skills while supporting performers and wardrobe operations in a fast-paced festival environment.



Key Responsibilities

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

  • Support costume fittings, including helping dress performers, recording adjustments, and implementing modifications

  • Maintain and care for costumes throughout the pre-production and festival run, including laundering, repairs, and cleaning

  • Organize and store costumes to ensure accessibility and garment longevity

  • Assist performers with dressing and quick changes during performances

  • Support transportation of costumes between storage, rehearsal, and performance locations

  • Participate in day-to-day wardrobe operations, completing assigned tasks efficiently

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

  • Monitor and anticipate wardrobe-related needs, including supplies, consumables, and garment care requirements

  • 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 design, wardrobe management, or theatre production

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

  • A willingness to learn practical sewing, alteration, and garment care techniques

  • The ability to work collaboratively with designers, stage management, and performers

  • Comfort working in a fast-paced, backstage 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
Wardrobe Assistant – Freewill Shakespeare Festival.

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