Cutter/Tailor

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and in the recruiting of board members.
The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw on and include all peoples, fully reflective of the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those identifying as gender fluid.
In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.
We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations peoples. In particular, we recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Job Description

Position: Cutter/Tailor (multiple positions), full-time, seasonal contract (February to August 2027)

Wage: $33 – $37/hr (based on 40-hr week)

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Job Description / Duties

The Shaw Festival is seeking applications for full-time, seasonal Cutters/Tailors. These positions will report to the Head of Wardrobe and Associate Head of Wardrobe, and are part of the Wardrobe department team.
These positions are responsible for building and overseeing a portion of our season’s costumes, which requires an in-depth knowledge of costume history and construction.

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Proven knowledge and experience in both men’s and/or women’s tailoring techniques.
• Excellent knowledge and working experience in costume construction in (flat pattern making and draping techniques).
• Working knowledge of costume history, period shapes and how to adapt them for theatrical costumes.
• Minimum of 5 (5) years’ experience as a Costume Cutter in a professional theatre company, film industry or equivalent.
• Works well under pressure.
• Organized with excellent time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.

The successful candidates must be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, be organized, reliable and accurate and work well as part of a team. We encourage a positive and proactive working environment. A good sense of humour is always appreciated.
Knowledge of Health and Safety compliance is essential.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Repertory Theatre.
Must be available to work 40 hours per week plus overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Manage simultaneous workloads for multiple productions.
• Interpret designs and take direction from designers to ensure all elements are included.
• Distribute workloads amongst a sewing team of up to 6 sewers.
• Provide training to your sewing team as required.
• Meet multiple deadlines (Quick Change Reh, Tech Dress, Preview Notes, etc.).