Head of Wardrobe

Company Overview

The University of Alberta in Edmonton is one of the top teaching and research universities in Canada, with an international reputation for excellence across the humanities, sciences, creative arts, business, engineering and health sciences.

Job Description

Head of Wardrobe

Job Identification 3750

Posting Date 04/23/2026, 02:55 PM

Apply Before 05/22/2026, 05:55 AM

Job Schedule Full Time

Locations

Edmonton, AB, Canada

(On-site)

Category Type Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

Position Type Support Staff - Regular Recurring

College/Administrative Portfolio College of Social Sciences + Humanities

Faculty/Department Arts

Annual Salary Range $70,597.80 to $97,709.52 (Pro-rated)

About the Team

The https://www.ualberta.ca/en/arts/index.html is a diverse and inclusive academic community spanning the humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. Through innovative research, teaching, creative expression, and strong community partnerships, the Faculty of Arts advances knowledge and drives positive societal change. It provides students with the tools to think critically, engage meaningfully, and contribute to a more just and thoughtful world.

Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

This position has an active period of 10 months.

The Department of Drama seeks an individual for a Head of Wardrobe position.

The Department of Drama offers both Professional and Liberal Arts programs centred on Theatre and Performance Studies. The Department is seated at the University of Alberta, a top four research institution, and as such research and creative activity are highly valued. The department has a complete complement of vibrant BA, BFA, MA, MFA and PhD programs which cover a wide range of theatrical specializations.

This position reports to the Academic Department Manager for Productions and Operations in Fine Arts. The ADM oversees the Production and Operations team (ProdOps), which supports all three Fine Arts departments: Drama, Art & Design and Music in some form or fashion. The Prod Ops office is a hub for all things Production and is a high-functioning, fast-paced team of dedicated professionals aimed at elevating the means of production in all spaces. The Drama department is also supported by a shared Academic Administrative team.

The Head of Wardrobe is the primary wardrobe manager for productions in the Department of Drama in both the Timms Centre for the Arts and Fine Arts Building (FAB). The position supports student experience through the management and supervision of all costume details related to Drama's performances. The Head of Wardrobe oversees the whole costume shop team, the shop facilities, and specialty related-equipment. As such the successful candidate possesses a comprehensive background in theatrical costuming in parallel with the artistic and interpersonal skills which befit an institution which nurtures and challenges the next generation of theatrical theorists and practicing professionals.

The Head of Wardrobe is responsible for the visual components and technical execution of costumes in the Studio Theatre season, the most outward facing events in Drama, showcasing our students' work and faculty research. This position facilitates the artistic and production training of undergraduate and graduate students in Drama, and occasionally faculty research projects.

Understanding that the Head of Wardrobe will work one-on-one with both seasoned and emerging professional costume designers, they will demonstrate a willingness to understand the variation in levels of expertise and experience. Mentorship and the ability to translate costume designs from the page to the stage requires a balanced approach; and a workplace which is open, professional and based on process is essential. The complex personal interactions which permeate the ideation and creation of theatrical costume requires sensitivity with actors' physicality while also fulfilling an artistic goal. Not all costumes are built and this requires the ability to employ stock and purchased items when required. The department has a large stock of costumes, shoes, jewelry, etc.

Costume Breakdown and dying are also undertaken as required, and familiarity with these techniques is desired. From time-to-time wigs, facial hair and makeup are also executed with the oversight of the Head of Wardrobe. Guidance of emerging professionals requires a generosity of experience aligned with the ability to help the student understand reality and the exigencies of budgeted time, money, and facilities. This helps the student make informed choices and sharpens their ability to decide priorities within.

Responsibilities

Some key responsibilities of The Head of Wardrobe are:

• Manages the execution of graduate student/ faculty designs for Studio Theatre productions. Oversees the execution of undergraduate student designs for FAB productions (Approximately 12+ presentations per year).

• Responsible for costing the costume designs, sourcing costume elements and materials, fabricating and altering costumes, advising on the functional elements of design choices, maintaining show budgets and adhering to deadlines.

• Responsible for ensuring proper caretaking of costume resources and Department assets; including storage, repair, retrieval and assessing intended use of costumes.

• Responsible for supporting the delivery of Drama’s academic programs in areas that pertain to costume design, production, and character creation. Supports students in all aspects of production relating to costume and costume design, as well as actors wearing costumes.

• Supervises the Fine Arts Costumer’s delivery of the FAB Productions and classroom projects. Supervises the Costume Cutter’s work on productions with students and faculty. Supervises casual staff as needed.

• Responsible for providing instruction and direction to staff and practicum students in relation to draping, pattern drafting, construction techniques including machine and hand sewing, dye/fabric painting, millinery, costume tracking and maintenance, and workplace health and safety.

• Communicates effectively with team members across the Department of Drama throughout the production and instruction processes. Works collaboratively with the Drama Production Coordinator and other production department heads.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Any one of a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design or Clothing and Textile, or Technical Diploma from a post-secondary institution teaching construction of clothing or costumes for the theatre.

• 6-8 years of theatre costuming experience is required – with 3-4 years experience in Wardrobe or Costume Shop Management in a Performing Arts industry; regional theatre, technical theatre, Demonstrated ability to manage a busy production shop, oversee smooth operation of equipment, maintain stock of essential supplies, ensuring efficient resource use, and the collaborative use of shared space supporting multiple projects in tandem.

• Thorough knowledge of the means of Costume Construction, drafting patterns, cutting and draping fabrics, hand and machine sewing, measuring, altering and recreating existing costumes to fit specific actors, as well as the properties and suitability of fabrics, maintenance and dyeing of fabrics and a wide range of sewing applications is required.

• Skills and understanding of the many different costume fabrication techniques that pertain to historical and modern styles, knowledge of period costume silhouettes and styles as well as accurate period fabric characteristics.

• Extensive experience in the operations of domestic and industrial sewing machines, boiler tank irons and domestic and industrial sergers.

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a range of production activities and demands on a day to day basis and ability to prioritize to meet deliverables.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and problem-solving ability.

• Experience with management and training of others.

• Must possess a valid Alberta Class 5 (non-GDL) driver’s license.

• Reliable means of transportation outside of typical working hours.

• Willingness to receive CPR/ Basic First Aid and WHMIS credentials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Flexible schedule including occasional nights and/or weekends during technical rehearsal periods.

• Experience with production resource inventory tools is highly desirable.

• Experience in a post secondary institution is desirable but not required.

• Experience with CAEA agreements and DOT policy is a plus

• Familiarity with IATSE agreements and working rules is a plus.

Physical Considerations

• Ability to navigate stairs and access elevated work areas.

• Ability to lift up to 45lbs and manipulate overhead loads of up to 25lbs.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

• Ability to complete tasks that require manual dexterity and fine motor skills

• Comfort working with industrial costume related equipment that involve hot surfaces, powered mechanical parts and sharp edges, points and cutting implements.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter. Applicants are also encouraged to include examples of their past work or a portfolio as part of their application, these may be requested of all applicants during the interview process. Interviews will not begin until early June. The position will not commence until the fall term.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a https://www.ualberta.ca/en/human-resources-health-safety-environment/benefits-and-pay/benefits-and-pension/benefits-overview/index.html.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. https://www.ualberta.ca/en/careers.html.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/7104353

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