Wardrobe Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DEPARTMENT: Costumes

POSITION: Wardrobe Supervisor

REPORTS TO: Costume Director

WORK SCHEDULE: Alternates between a Tuesday—Sunday Show Run Schedule, Monday—Friday Off Show Schedule.

CLASSIFICATION: Annual full time, hourly, non-exempt

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $30.70 per hour; benefits Eligible after 90 days.

Position Summary

The Tony-Award winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre seeks a Wardrobe Supervisor to serve as a key member of Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s costumes department. The Wardrobe Supervisor 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 Wardrobe Supervisor is a key liaison between the Costume Designer, Wig Designer, costume shop, and performers. They also work closely with other production departments, visiting actors, designers, and artistic staff and therefore must have exceptional interpersonal skills. The Wardrobe Supervisor is expected to be a leader and technician committed to the artistic vision and mission of Berkeley Rep and should share Berkeley Rep’s commitment to Antiracism, Equity, Diversity, Access, and Inclusion.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the Costume Director, hire wardrobe and wig/hair/makeup crew for all shows during the season.
• Run tracks as needed and assign tracks according to the needs of the costume plot and scene breakdown.
• Supervise and train wardrobe and wig/hair/makeup crews, helping choreograph quick changes as needed.
• Inform stage management and stage operations of the need for quick change booths and their locations.
• Work with stage management and the Costume Director to create dressing lists, check-in sheets, run sheets, and preset lists.
• Recruit and train swings.
• Oversee the daily care of costumes, shoes, and accessories, including laundering, steaming, ironing, repair, and cleaning.
• Schedule and coordinate dry-cleaning pickup and delivery when needed.
• Maintain and order wardrobe supplies.
• Keep wardrobe areas, backstage changing areas, and dressing rooms clean and safe.
• Maintain the original design of the show from open to close.
• Set weekly schedules for all wardrobe and wig/hair/makeup crew in a timely manner and adhere to all Federal and California labor laws.
• Approve timesheets in Paylocity.
• Model and teach professional behavior in all areas of the theater, especially backstage and in dressing room areas.
• Attend Meet and Greet and designer runs with the wardrobe and wig/hair/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 as assigned.
• Pull, inventory, and pack costumes for transport to the costume shop for notes during tech and previews.
• Organize and oversee strike.
• Attend put-in and understudy rehearsals, as needed.
• Help organize costumes for and attend all photo calls, as requested.
• Follow equity guidelines regarding costumes, hair, and makeup.
• Actively participate in workshops and trainings, including company meetings, harassment prevention, bystander intervention and other antiracism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and access initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned.

• At least 3 years+ experience as a Wardrobe Supervisor at a comparable theater or venue.
• Strong sewing and costume repair skills.
• Knowledge of different cleaning techniques for fabrics and garments.
• Knowledge of theatrical costume history.
• This position requires use of computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel to produce show paperwork for training, show run, archival purposes, and to track budget expenses for the maintenance of the show.
• This position requires long periods of standing, walking briskly, working in the dark, and using stairs.
• This position requires the ability to reach above head, climb, lift, and maneuver 20 pounds frequently.
• Wig, hair and makeup experience is strongly preferred.
• Active Driver’s License is preferred.

Preferred candidate will have the demonstrated ability to:

• Be an excellent collaborator in the process of creating new work and new productions.
• 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.
• Collaborate with a high degree of emotional intelligence and cultural competency.
• Uphold Berkeley Rep’s commitments to antiracism, equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.
• 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 to be filled by August 3, 2026. 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.