Position Title: Wardrobe Supervisor
Location: The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater in Pleasant Grove, Utah
Reports to: Costume Director
Direct Reports: Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor,
Lead Dressers, Dressers, Child Guardians
Time Commitment: 40+ hours per week
Compensation: $45,000-$50,000 Yearly
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt, At-Will Employee
Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education (aka The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater / The Ruth) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly theater experiences. We are passionate about arts education and its positive impact on our community. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that brings joy and culture to Utah Valley!
Position Summary:
The Wardrobe Supervisor oversees the execution, maintenance, and daily operation of all backstage costume and wardrobe processes during the rehearsal and performance process at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater. This role is responsible for preserving the integrity of the Costume Designer's vision throughout the run of each production while ensuring performers are supported, quick changes are safely and efficiently executed, and wardrobe operations run smoothly backstage.
Working closely with the Costume Director, Costume Designers, Hair & Makeup Department, Stage Management, and production leadership, the Wardrobe Supervisor manages wardrobe crews, oversees backstage costume operations, coordinates quick change execution, and maintains wardrobe tracking and documentation for all assigned productions. This position plays a key role in creating a calm, organized, performer-focused backstage environment while maintaining high artistic and operational standards.
Duties & Responsibilities
Wardrobe Operations & Show Execution
- Oversee all backstage wardrobe operations during technical rehearsals and performances.
- Ensure the Costume Designer's vision and costume presentation standards are consistently maintained throughout the run of the production.
- Supervise costume presetting, tracking, maintenance, and post-show reset procedures.
- Maintain costume and accessory organization in dressing rooms, quick change areas, laundry spaces, and backstage work areas.
- Monitor costume condition throughout the run and communicate repair, cleaning, maintenance, or replacement needs to the Costume Director and laundry/repair team as needed.
- Participate in designer runs, rack walks, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and production notes sessions.
- Implement and communicate costume-related notes and adjustments from designers, directors, and stage management teams.
Quick Changes & Performer Support
- Choreograph, organize, and rehearse all quick changes with performers and wardrobe crews.
- Time and document quick-changes to ensure safe and efficient execution.
- Create and maintain wardrobe tracks, quick change paperwork, costume check-in sheets, and backstage costume documentation in coordination with the Hair & Makeup and wig teams as needed.
- Ensure performers are properly supported backstage during rehearsals and performances.
- Foster a calm, respectful, and solutions-oriented backstage environment for performers and crew members.
Leadership & Team Management
- Hire, train, schedule, supervise, and support wardrobe crews and head dressers.
- Create crew schedules and staffing plans based on production needs.
- Provide orientation and training for wardrobe team members prior to performances and technical rehearsals.
- Learn and maintain familiarity with all wardrobe tracks to provide coverage and support as needed.
- Coordinate backstage operational needs with the wig crew and laundry/repair team throughout rehearsals and performances.
- Address crew concerns, performance issues, scheduling conflicts, and backstage operational challenges in a professional and timely manner.
- Promote clear communication, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism within the wardrobe department.
Collaboration & Production Coordination
- Work collaboratively with Costume Designers, Hair & Makeup, Stage Management, and production leadership to support production needs and artistic goals.
- Coordinate with Stage Management regarding backstage traffic flow, quick change timing, actor tracking, and production adjustments.
- Attend production meetings and participate in cross-department communication regarding wardrobe operations and performer support.
- Support production planning related to wardrobe logistics, backstage organization, and staffing needs.
Administrative & Operational Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate wardrobe paperwork, crew documentation, quick change tracking, and backstage operational records.
- Assist with inventory organization, costume storage, and show close procedures as assigned.
- Ensure wardrobe spaces are maintained in a safe, organized, and efficient manner.
- Other duties as assigned.
Skills & Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience
- Previous wardrobe, dressing, or theatrical costume run experience required.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure backstage environments.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to lead teams with professionalism, patience, and accountability.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and support performers with professionalism and discretion.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or move up to 50 pounds and work in physically active backstage environments including stairs, crouching, bending, and extended periods of standing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic sewing and costume repair skills preferred.
- Experience collaborating with backstage wig operations preferred.
- Experience supervising backstage crews or wardrobe teams preferred.
- Experience in musical theater wardrobe operations and quick-change choreography preferred.
Benefits: Health Insurance, dental plans, 401k, paid time off, and other company-specific benefits.