DEPARTMENT: Costumes

POSITION: Head of Wardrobe and Wigs

REPORTS TO: Costume Director

CLASIFICATION: Annual full-time, exempt

WORK SCHEDULE: Alternates between: Tuesday—Sunday (Show Run) & Monday—Friday (Off Show)

SALARY & BENEFITS: $74,459; benefits eligible after 90 days

Position Summary

The Tony-Award winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre seeks a Head of Wardrobe and Wigs to be a key member of Berkeley Rep’s costumes department. The Head of Wardrobe and Wigs is responsible for the oversight of the wardrobe, wigs/hair and makeup crew before, during, and after the run of all seven mainstage productions and special events at Berkeley Rep. The Head of Wardrobe and Wigs is a key liaison between Costume designers, Wig Designers, the costume shop, and performers. The Head of Wardrobe and Wigs works closely with other production departments, visiting actors, designers, and artistic staff and must demonstrate exceptional interpersonal skills. Berkeley Rep’s Head of Wardrobe and Wigs is a leader and technician committed to the artistic vision and mission of Berkeley Rep and will help advance Berkeley Rep’s commitment to Antiracism, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access.

Essential Duties

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching and mentorship for wardrobe, wig, and hair make up crews. Conduct annual performance reviews for these positions.
• Hire wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crew for all shows during the season.
• Supervise and train the Associate Wardrobe Supervisor, wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crews, helping choreograph quick changes as needed.
• Hire, train, and supervise swings for wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crews
• Inform Stage Management and Stage Operations of the need for quick change booths, booth locations, and collaborate to find solutions when space needs are a challenge between departments.
• Assign tracks according to the needs of the costume plot and scene breakdown; run tracks as needed.
• Partner with Stage Management and the Costume Director to create dressing lists, check-in sheets, run sheets, and preset lists.
• Maintain the original costume and wig designs of the show from opening to closing.
• Coach and model professional behavior in all areas of the theater, especially backstage and in dressing room areas.
• Set weekly schedules for all wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crew in a timely manner and in compliance with California labor laws. Approve timesheets in Paylocity bi-weekly and track overhire labor lines against the budget. Communicate staffing needs and overages to the Costume Director.
• In tech rehearsals, maintain a high level of active communication and coordination between the Costume Director, shop, design team, Stage Management, and run crew in relation to which pieces to pull for shop notes, and their return to tech.
• Attend Meet and Greets and Designer Runs with wardrobe and wig, hair, and makeup crew.
• Organize wardrobe prep for shows prior to tech.
• Lead check-in and load-out of costume pieces from the costume shop to the theater with the help of the wardrobe crew.
• Attend nightly production meetings during tech rehearsals.
• Pull, inventory, and pack costumes for transport to the costume shop for notes during tech and previews.
• Attend put-in and understudy rehearsals as needed.
• Organize costumes for and attend all photo calls, as requested.
• Follow equity guidelines regarding costumes, hair, and makeup. Maintain and organize wardrobe and wig supplies and spaces, including restocking and ordering supplies in a timely manner.
• Supervise the daily care of costumes including repair, laundering, steaming, and ironing costume pieces. Schedule and coordinate dry-cleaning pickup and delivery when needed.
• Supervise the daily care of shoes and accessories, including repairing and cleaning.
• Schedule maintenance haircuts, hair care, and styling appointments for actors from opening to closing.
• Reconcile the departmental company credit card monthly as directed by the finance department.
• Ensure wardrobe areas, backstage changing areas, and dressing rooms are clean, organized, and safe.
• Organize and supervise the strike of costumes and wigs, including packing costumes and wigs for shipment to other theaters, producers, and wig designers.
• Actively participate in workshops and trainings, including company meetings, harassment prevention, bystander intervention, and all other antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned.

• A minimum of 3 years professional experience as a Wardrobe Supervisor or Head of Wardrobe at a comparable theater or venue.
• Strong sewing and costume repair skills.
• Knowledge of various cleaning techniques for fabrics, garments, and shoes.
• Knowledge of theatrical costume history.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, with a demonstrated ability to produce show paperwork for training, show run and archival documents, and track budget expenses for the maintenance of the show.
• The position requires long periods of standing, walking briskly, working in the dark, and walking up and down stairs.
• The position requires the ability to reach above head, climb, lift, and maneuver 20 pounds frequently.
• Wig, hair, and makeup experience strongly preferred.
• Driver’s License preferred.

Preferred candidate will have the ability to:

• Be an excellent collaborator in the process of creating new work.
• Work in a detail-oriented manner.
• Be resourceful, adaptable to change, and a creative problem solver.
• Interact with a diverse group of constituents including visiting directors, designers, artists, administrative staff, technical crews, and students.
• Face demanding situations with calm, diplomacy, and sensitivity.
• Mentor and direct employees professionally and effectively.
• Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competency.
• Demonstrate a commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
• Successfully address and resolve contradictory interests and values of multiple parties.
• Work independently and as part of team.

Application Procedure

Berkeley Rep is an equal opportunity employer and offers a full range of employee benefits including 85% employer-paid health and dental insurance, optional vision, FSA, and 403(b) plans, professional development support, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Position available immediately. Online submissions only. Please include a cover letter and résumé when you submit your application. Persons from diverse backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Berkeley Rep will contact candidates of interest. Please, no calls or faxes. Only complete submissions will be considered.