DEPARTMENT: Costumes
POSITION: Associate Wardrobe/Wigs and Hair Supervisor
REPORTS TO: Wardrobe Supervisor
WORK SCHEDULE: Tuesday-Sunday. Schedule will change during load-in or tech.
CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal full-time, exempt
EMPLOYMENT END DATE: June 15, 2025
COMPENSATION: $28.41 per hour
POSITION SUMMARY
Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Berkeley Rep) has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its ambition, relevance, and excellence, as well as its adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. Over 6 million people have enjoyed more than 500 shows at Berkeley Rep, including 85 world premieres. Berkeley Rep shows have gone on to win 8 Tony Awards, 9 Obie Awards, 11 Drama Desk Awards, 1 Grammy Award, 1 Pulitzer Prize, and many other honors. In recognition of its place on the national stage, Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Through its annual seven-play season, together with up to four special event presentations, Berkeley Rep invites audiences to enjoy an eclectic range of theatrical experiences featuring diverse artistic voices, themes, and perspectives.
Berkeley Rep (LORT B) is seeking an Associate Wardrobe Supervisor to join our team. Under the direction of the Wardrobe Supervisor, the Associate Wardrobe Supervisor serves as a key member of BRT’s Wardrobe Department. They will work in close collaboration with visiting costume designers and directors for each production and will collaborate with the other production departments to ensure that the company’s best work is being put forth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the Wardrobe Supervisor in maintenance and running of costumes for full season and assist in supervision of wardrobe crews and wig crews, including setting crew calls, scheduling breaks, and reminding crew to log hours on Paylocity in a timely manner.
- Work with Resident Associate Costume Designer to create and maintain paperwork, including dressing sheets, run sheets, and pre-set lists. Assist with development of wardrobe tracks for each production and train crew to run them.
- Assist with load-in and load-out of costumes. Set up dressing rooms for shows. Pull and pack costumes for transport to shop during tech.
- Maintain costumes during run, including repairs, laundry, dry cleaning, pressing, steaming, etc.
- Maintain good relationships with other departments. Work with Stage Ops for backstage quick-change areas.
- When necessary and assigned, run a wardrobe track or wigs/hair show track.
- Supervise crew and reinforce basic rules including appropriate backstage behavior and dress.
- Reinforce crew guidelines and policies as determined by BRT, Wardrobe Supervisor, and Costume Director.
- Demonstrate and practice respectful and effective communication skills.
- Maintain wardrobe/hair/wigs areas, monitor equipment, and report any issues. Track supply inventory and order supplies through Wardrobe Supervisor.
- Attend all Put-Ins and Understudy rehearsals. Coordinate with Stage Management and Resident Associate Costume Designer to ensure actors have all necessary costumes and hair needs.
- Attend nightly production meetings during tech rehearsals.
- Coordinate with Stage Management and Resident Associate Costume Designer to arrange for hair cuts and treatments as needed.
- Create and maintain an inclusive, safe, efficient and effective working environment.
- Actively participate in workshops and trainings, including company meetings, harassment prevention, bystander intervention and other antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
Skills and Training
- 2-3 years professional experience working wardrobe.
- Strong sewing and repair skills.
- Computer skills, Word and Excel.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Good communication and mediation skills.
- Experience managing a crew.
- Must be flexible and able to react to change productively and professionally.
- Ability to mentor and direct others professionally and effectively.
- Wig experience and basic hair skills strongly preferred.
Behavioral Knowledge and Skills
- Be an excellent collaborator in the process of creating new work and new productions.
- Interact with a diverse group of constituents including visiting directors, designers, artists, administrative staff, technical crews, and students.
- Demonstrate inclusive behavior and commitment to antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
- Have a good sense of humor and a positive attitude.
- Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Work in a detail-oriented manner and be resourceful and flexible.
- Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
- Successfully address and resolve contradictory interests or values of multiple parties.
- Mentor upcoming crew members.
- Effectively and creatively problem-solve.
- Carry out physically demanding activities. Reach above head, push, pull, and carry 30 pounds frequently.
- Face demanding situations with tenacity, diplomacy, and sensitivity under pressure.
- Stay on the forefront of new industry technology, consistently upgrading their own technical skills and knowledge base.
- Work independently and as part of team.
- Work irregular hours, evening hours, long hours, and weekends, as required.
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. Only complete submissions will be considered.