Head of Wardrobe

Job Title:

Head of Wardrobe

Organization:

Carousel Theatre For Young People

Deadline:

Oct. 31, 2026 or until filled

Organization Description:

Carousel Theatre for Young People empowers young people, families, and educators through playful, imaginative and accessible theatre experiences that develop emotional literacy. Located on Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver, we are a gathering place for artists, young people, families, and educators. Through productions for youth and family audiences, we envision a community that empowers young people to be imaginative, expressive and engaged. Our commitment to artistic excellence has resulted in a strong reputation as Vancouver’s professional mainstage TYA company, a growing, loyal audience base, and numerous Jessie Richardson awards. Young People are not simply audience members at CTYP; they are active participants, at the very centre of all that we do.

Website:

https://www.carouseltheatre.ca/

Job Description:

The Head of Wardrobe manages the entire costume department for Carousel Theatre for Young People's 2026/2027 season, overseeing both the creation/sourcing of garments and their maintenance in collaboration with the Costume Designers and Production & Facilities Manager.

The Theatre guarantees the Head of Wardrobe a minimum of 240 hours of work over the course of the season per the Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE Local 118

Key dates:

Start date: November 16th 2026

Stuart Little at the Waterfront Theatre
Load in: December 1st 2026
First performance: December 4th 2026
Closing: December 20th 2026

Otosan at the Waterfront Theatre
Load in: February 8th 2026
First performance: February 9th 2026
Closing: February 13th 2026

Stuart Little on tour
March 1st-4th 2026
March 12th-13th 2026
March 15th-16th 2026
March 19th-23rd 2026

Finding Nemo at the Waterfront Theatre
Build starts: TBC February 2026
Load in: March 22nd 2026
Dress Rehearsal: March 30th 2026
First Performance: March 31st 2026
Opening: April 2nd 2026
Closing: May 9th 2026

Kids Fest Co-Presentation
TBC June 1st-5th 2026

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Theatre’s Production & Facilities Manager, the Employee’s duties as Head of Wardrobe are the following:

• Ensure the costume shop is cleaned and organized by Nov 20, 2026 for arrival of the first production of the season.

• Strike, clean and store all costume items by May 30, 2026

• Complete and submit timesheets to the Production & Facilities Manager. Completed timesheets must be submitted no later than the Monday following the last shift recorded on the timesheet.

• Liaise with the relevant heads of departments to review the wardrobe requirements for each production

• Review the costume design and address any safety/construction concerns

• Oversee the costume construction and/or alterations, acquiring materials and equipment as needed, within budgetary limitations

• Supervise and coordinate all wardrobe personnel as needed who might be working in the Theatre’s Costume Shop – cutters, sewers, etc – and provide hands-on leadership.

• Any personnel working off site under the supervision of the Costume Designer are not considered the HOW’s responsibility.

• Repair, alter, supervise laundry detail and maintain costumes for Stuart Little between tour stops

• Shop for fabric, supplies, etc in conjunction with production needs, staying within budgets as provided by the Costume Designer and/or the Production & Facilities Manager as applicable

• Ensure that all items are constructed to meet the demands of shows and designers’ specifications.

• Liaise with the stage manager to schedule fittings and attend costume fittings as required

• Ensure all costumes are ready for the quick change rehearsal and are labeled with character name

• Supervise laundry detail (instruct the assistant or Theatre’s staff) to ensure no damage to costumes while cleaning

• Drop off and pick up drycleaning after strike and as needed during any show run.

• Return any borrowed or rented items no later one (1) week after each production finale/strike

• Hire costume personnel as needed in consultation with the Theatre’s Co-Artistic and Managing Directors and Production & Facilities Manager, in accordance with the Theatre’s Collective Bargaining Agreement with IATSE 118

• Ensure all costume and/or wardrobe personnel submit timesheets and/or invoices to the Production & Facilities Manager in a timely fashion

• Complete any wardrobe personnel petty cash reconciliations on CTYP forms.

• Maintain the costume shop, including but not limited to cleaning, organizing, and arranging for repairs as needed within budgetary limitations in consultation with the

• Theatre’s Production & Facilities Manager

• Adhere to the safety guidelines of ActSafe

Qualifications:

• Union Standing: Membership in good standing with the local IATSE branch (such as Local 822 for stagehands/wardrobe or relevant local production chapters) or eligibility to join.

• Experience: 2 to 3+ years of professional work experience in a theatrical, film, or live performance wardrobe department, often with previous supervisory or head-running experience.

• Garment Skills: Advanced knowledge of garment construction, alterations, fitting, costume history, and basic fabric maintenance or laundry/dyeing techniques.

• Management & Budget: Demonstrated leadership capabilities to schedule dressers/stitchers, collaborate with designers and stage management, and track departmental budgets.

• Physical & Schedule Flexibility: Ability to lift heavy costume bins, work under pressure during quick changes, and maintain a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.

How to Apply:

Email resume + any relevant portfolio or job experience to celeste@carouseltheatre.ca

Carousel Theatre for Young People is committed to accessibility and inclusivity and welcomes submissions from individuals of diverse ages, abilities and communities. Our offices are located on the second floor of the CTYP Arts Complex (1411 Cartwright Street, Granville Island), accessed by stairs only at this time.

Remuneration:

Hourly rate is $ 29.50. The Employee will be paid via direct deposit upon submission and approval of each time sheet. Payroll is deposited on Fridays. Vacation pay, in lieu of time off, is included on each paycheque.