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Wardrobe First 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 reliable and experienced Wardrobe First Assistant to join the production team for the 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This role supports the creation, preparation, and maintenance of costumes and is intended for applicants with prior hands-on wardrobe or costume experience who are ready to contribute within a professional festival environment.


About the Role

The Wardrobe First Assistant supports costume construction, alterations, fittings, maintenance, and backstage wardrobe operations throughout the festival. Working under the supervision of the Head of Wardrobe and Costume Designer, and in coordination with the Production Manager and Stage Manager, the Wardrobe First Assistant helps ensure costumes are prepared, maintained, and presented at a high professional standard.


This role emphasizes reliability, organization, and independent task management. The Wardrobe First Assistant may also provide guidance and support to additional wardrobe crew, volunteers, or student placements as assigned.


Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with costume construction, mending, and alterations as directed by the Head of Wardrobe and Costume Designer

  • Support costume fittings during rehearsals, including dressing performers, recording adjustments, and implementing changes

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

  • Ensure costumes are stored, organized, and tracked to maintain garment quality and accessibility

  • Assist performers with dressing and quick changes during performances as required

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

  • Participate in daily wardrobe operations, completing tasks assigned by the Head of Wardrobe or Costume Designer

  • Monitor wardrobe consumables and backstage needs related to costume care and cleanliness

  • Help maintain a safe, organized, and efficient wardrobe and backstage environment

  • Participate in strike, assisting with cleaning, organizing, repairing, and returning wardrobe stock


Who Should Apply

This role is well suited to individuals who have:

  • Have prior hands-on experience in wardrobe, costuming, or related production work

  • Are comfortable working independently on assigned tasks within a production schedule

  • Are detail-oriented, organized, and attentive to garment care and safety practices

  • Are adaptable and calm in a fast-paced live performance environment

  • Enjoy collaborative work with designers, wardrobe staff, stage management, and performers


Contract Details

  • Start Date: May 12, 2026

  • End Date: July 16, 2026

  • Compensation: $22.00 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:
Wardrobe First Assistant – Freewill Shakespeare Festival

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