Senior Sewer/Tailor

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

The Senior level Sewer and/or Tailor is responsible for the execution of all assigned tasks related to garment-construction and alteration as required to support the design needs of multiple seasonal productions. The Senior level Sewer and/or Tailor takes direction from the Cutter and/or First Hand and relies on a knowledge of costume history and materials combined with proven experience of various construction methods and techniques, as well as an ability to learn new approaches and processes as necessary, to meet production standards and pre-determined timelines. Senior level Sewer and/or Tailors will also be required to teach sewing and tailoring methods to more junior level team members. Successful applicants for this position may be required to take a supervised, in-person sewing test to determine their level of expertise, to be scheduled at a time of mutual convenience. This is a unionized position reporting to the Costume Director and represented by IATSE Local 357.

Responsibilities:

• Complete tasks related to the construction and alteration of costume pieces in a timely and efficient manner, with the highest level of proficiency and accuracy with minimal instruction or supervision required. 
• Ability to think through various construction processes combined with a strong ability to problem solve independently
• Identifying sewing issues and potential construction problems in advance.
• Possess the ability to develop new construction methods and stitching techniques.
• Facilitate teaching construction methods and stitching techniques to junior members of the team.
• Follow direction from supervisors on construction methods and stitching techniques, as required.
• Participate in regular shop maintenance tasks and report necessary repairs to a supervisor.
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
• Foster a caring and inclusive work environment consistent with all Stratford Festival policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Other wardrobe duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two-year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.)
• 6-10 years of proven experience in the industry. 
• Strong technical garment construction skills, including operating a variety of industrial and domestic machines, handling various fabric types and trims, and applying a wide variety of techniques to the construction of costumes.
• Experience with modern and period costume construction, tailoring techniques, and fabric manipulation techniques.
• Ability to execute assigned tasks independently and to follow step-by-step instructions.
• Ability to take precise and detailed notes and ask pertinent questions.
• Willingness to take direction, adopt new techniques and methods, and learn new skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Working knowledge of costume history, textiles, and the theatre production process is an asset.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Results oriented: diligently pursue a project to fruition and inspire others to do the same
• Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
• Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods

This seasonal full-time unionized posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin February 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.

Job Type:  Seasonal Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $33.54

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026.