Head of Costuming and Wardrobe

Head of Costuming & Wardrobe

STATUS:
Full-Time, Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Chief Production Officer

The Head of Costuming and Wardrobe provides strategic and operational leadership for all costume and wardrobe functions, overseeing personnel, budgets, production processes, and departmental resources to ensure the successful execution of costumes for all productions. This position collaborates closely with production leadership, designers, and creative teams to support artistic goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and a safe, inclusive working environment.

• Oversees all business and administrative aspects of Costume and Wardrobe Departments
• Determines yearly budgetary needs for all costuming and wardrobe areas with the Chief Production Officer
• Manages individual show budgets and reports to the Chief Production Officer
• Oversees the hiring and disciplinary action of staff for the Costume and Wardrobe departments
• Manages all travel for the Costume Department
• Ensures the successful and on time execution and delivery of costume builds that costume designs as designed and approved by Designer, Directing teams & Producers, including the oversight of the completion of in house, outsourced and pulled costumes
• Direct Supervision of Costume Shop Supervisor, Design Assistants, Wardrobe Supervisor, and Warehouse Assistant for main stage and education productions
• Oversees the management of shop equipment, including repairs, maintenance and replacement
• Oversees the smooth transition and handover of the costumes from Costume Shop to the Wardrobe department for technical rehearsals and run of show
• Attends Paper Dress, Costume Parade, Technical Rehearsal, and Dress Rehearsals as requested by the costume designer and/or production leadership.
• Helps identify special projects and other professional development opportunities in the Costume Shop and Wardrobe Departments
• Performs other duties as assigned by Chief Production Officer
• Maintains all safety protocols according to HCT standards

• Minimum 5–7 years of professional experience in theatrical costuming and/or wardrobe, including leadership or supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience managing costume production processes from design handoff through technical rehearsals and opening, including builds, pulls and outsourcing
• Proven ability to develop and manage production and departmental budgets, track expenses, and report financial status to senior leadership
• Experience supervising and mentoring employees
• Strong knowledge of costume construction techniques, materials, fittings, alterations, and wardrobe maintenance practices
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent productions and competing deadlines while maintaining high artistic and operational standards
• Working knowledge of shop equipment operation, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as production schedules require
• Proficiency with standard office and budgeting software (e.g., spreadsheets, project tracking tools)

• BFA or MFA in Costume Design, Costume Technology, Theatre Production, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Experience in a regional theatre, repertory, commercial theatre, theme park, cruise, or touring environment with high production volume
• Demonstrated success managing annual departmental budgets and long‑range planning
• Experience with inventory systems, costume databases, or asset management software
• Experience supervising warehouse or stock management operations
• Familiarity with purchasing systems, vendor relations, and rental agreements

• Chief Production Officer
• Costume Shop Supervisor and Costume Shop Personnel
• Costume Designers
• Wardrobe Supervisor
• Production Leadership

Compensation commensurate with experience. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, and qualifications.

Hale Centre Theatre is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.