Job Board/Babillard d'emplois > Lead Wardrobe - Pacific Opera Victoria
This is a Seasonal, Part-time position.
Category: TechnicalProvince: Victoria, British Columbia
Position: Lead Wardrobe
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Posted: June 4, 2025
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Job Description / Duties
The duties of the Lead Wardrobe shall include, but not be limited to the procurement and manufacture of all costumes and accessories without direct supervision, and the maintenance of construction and finishing standards as deemed appropriate by the Head of Wardrobe. They shall have advanced sewing skills and a working knowledge of wardrobe equipment and tools plus must also be able to cut, sew, alter and fit costumes, distress fabrics, maintain, launder, and finish wardrobe pieces. They shall also accomplish buying, shopping and returns, assist with research and be able to assume all responsibilities in the absence of the Head Wardrobe.
Qualifications / Required Skills
Skills & Responsibilities
• Perform advanced sewing and costume construction using both hand and machine techniques
• Alter, repair and fit costumes across a range of period and contemporary styles with precision and care
• Apply fabric distressing, finishing, and costume breakdown techniques to meet design requirements
• Draft patterns, drape garments, and execute costume cutting tasks as needed
• Conduct shopping, rentals, and returns for costume items
• Maintain costume pieces as needed (laundering, steaming, pressing, and mending)
• Document costume changes, alterations, and maintenance schedules
• Assist the Head Wardrobe with costume research and sourcing
• Assist with fitting room protocols and support backstage costume change planning and logistics
• Contribute to wardrobe pack, load-in, load out, and onstage wardrobe notes
• Operate and maintain wardrobe tools and equipment safely and effectively
• Attend production and company meetings, fittings, and technical rehearsals as required
• Support other production departments as needed, contributing to cross-departmental collaboration, including wigs, makeup and stage management
• Ensure a safe, clean, and organized work environment in compliance with safety standards
• Demonstrate problem-solving and adaptability in a fast-paced production environment
• Promote and uphold a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with designers, team members and production staff
Qualifications
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in theatrical wardrobe or costume construction
• Post-secondary training in costume technology, fashion design, theatre production, or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated skill in sewing, alterations, and costume maintenance
• Working knowledge of wardrobe tools, machines, and safe handling practices
• Experience working in unionized and collaborative production environments an asset
• Strong knowledge of industry safety practices
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required
• Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (asset)
• First Aid certification (asset)
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs., use stairs, and operate wardrobe equipment
Additional Information
This position is a seasonal contract running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with the Pacific Opera shop typically operating from July to May.
All Opera Shop production staff work under the jurisdiction of IATSE Local 168.
Benefits include:
• 5% in employer RRSP contributions
• 5% vacation pay
• 4% in lieu of benefits
• Access to a health and welfare fund paid for by Pacific Opera and administered by IATSE Local 168
• Guaranteed Minimum Hours for the season: 700
The typical work week is Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. The positions require some evening and weekend work, and hours will vary depending on production schedules.
- Carpentry, 8:00am-4:30pm
- Wardrobe, 8:30am-5:00pm
- Props, 8:30am-5:00pm
- Paint, 8:00am – 4:30pm Wednesday - Sunday
Production Dates:
Show 1 - (The Turn of the Screw)
Wardrobe Source/Build: Sept 15 – Oct 17, 2025 (5 wks)
Notes as called: Oct 18 – 22, 2025 (1 wk)
Strike: Oct 28 – 30, 2025 (24 hrs)
Show 2 - (Tosca)
Wardrobe Source/Build: Jan 19 – Feb 13, 2026 (4 wks)
Notes as called: Feb 14 – 18, 2026 (1 wk)
Strike: Feb 24 – 26, 2026 (24 hrs)
Show 3 - (Orpheus & Eurydice)
Wardrobe Source/Build: March 16 – April 17, 2026 (5 wks)
Notes as called: April 18 – 22, 2026 (1 wk)
Strike: Feb 28 – 30, 2026 (24 hrs)
*Subject to Change
*Holiday Shop Closure: Sat Dec 20 – Sun Dec 28, 2025 & Thurs Jan 1, 2026
Salary: $35.99 + benefits, in accordance with IATSE Local 168 collective agreement with Pacific Opera Victoria
Contact Information
For more details please visit our website: https://pacificopera.ca/about-us/careers-auditions/
Please apply with a cover letter and resume to: jobs@pacificopera.ca
Applications will be reviewed as received.
Employer Profile
Pacific Opera Victoria is one of the most influential professional opera companies in Canada. Our vision is for a world in which opera enriches the lives of everyone. Our mission is to create distinctive and inclusive opera experiences which inspire and engage artists and audiences. We deliver our mission with integrity and uncompromising adherence to our values: Quality, Leadership, Innovation, Collaboration, Learning, Inclusivity and Stewardship.
Pacific Opera Victoria identifies Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation among its Core Values and encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds.
For more information about Pacific Opera, please visit our website www.pacificopera.ca