Wardrobe Manager

Philadelphia Ballet exists to enrich lives through the transformative power of dance

Summary/Objective:

The Wardrobe Manager reports directly to the General Manager/Director Artistic Operations.  The position is essential to the artistic team of Philadelphia Ballet, collaborating closely with designers, production team members, artistic associates, and the artistic director to ensure that all projects produced at Philadelphia Ballet are executed to the highest possible standard.   The Wardrobe Supervisor is a management position with responsibility for supervising wardrobe and costuming staff.

Essential Functions:

• Effectively manage and direct all Philadelphia Ballet wardrobe staff including over-hire staff in achieving the artistic needs of the company.


• Oversee wardrobe expense, payroll and shoe budget.


• Identify stitcher work weeks for each season in alignment with the budget and in agreement with General Manager/Director of Artistic Operations. 


• Distribute Individual IATSE Wardrobe letters.  


• Collaborate with HR to engage over hires during the season.


• Prepare and submit wardrobe payroll to General Manager/Director Artistic Operations


• Ensure dancer minimums are met according to the AGMA Collective Bargaining Agreement.   
  
  
  


• Attend production meetings, artistic meetings, studio run throughs, and technical rehearsals as necessary.


• Work closely with production and artistic teams to run all productions efficiently.


• Secure and/or maintaining costumes for the main company, which include pre-show, and post-show needs for all performances.


• Oversee and maintain Philadelphia Ballet’s wardrobe and shoe inventory. 
  
  
  
  • Confirm inventory of costume rentals when received in shop.
  
  
  • Confirm correct inventory is prepared for return to warehouse, or shipping back to rental company.
  
  
  
  


• Manage and direct wardrobe backstage needs for all mainstage productions and educational matinees.


• Maintenance and cleaning of costumes during all production runs, including doing show laundry


• Maintain backstage wardrobe spaces including dressing rooms quick change booths, and any storage shelves, racks, or tables in a clean and orderly manner.


• Restocking, cleaning, and maintaining costume storage and workspaces as requested.


• Takedown and pack up wardrobe following performances


• When not in performance, the Wardrobe Manager works in the Costume Shop. Duties assigned may include stitching, hair, makeup, or other tasks.


• Participate in costume build process including pulling, patterning, stitching, and draping.


• Coordinate costumes for remounted productions as may be requested.


• Identify stitcher work weeks prior to each season in alignment with the budget and in agreement with General Manager/Director of Artistic Operations. 


• Prepare and submit wardrobe payroll to General Manager/Director of Artistic Operations.


• Ensure dancer minimums are met according to the AGMA Collective Bargaining


• Create a comfortable work environment prioritizing discretion when working intimately with the dancers to manage 


• Other duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibility:  Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor/Costumer; Shoe Coordinator, Over-hire stitchers.

Expected Hours of Work:  Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening and weekend work as required for the performance schedule and technical rehearsal schedule.

Travel:  Travel is primarily locally during the business day, although some out of the area travel and overnight may be expected.

Required Education and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent relevant work experience 


• Minimum 5 years’ experience in wardrobe or related position 

• Experience with budget preparation and management


• Excellent sewing, stitching, and altering skills. 

• Experience altering and repairing men's and women's costumes. The costume complexity ranges from simple garments to multi-piece, extremely delicate costumes 

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in wardrobe maintenance and laundry 

• Knowledge of classical and romantic tutus is .

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal 

• Strong problem-solving skills 

• Ability to keep calm under pressure and remain tactful in stressful situations 

• Excellent time management and organizational skills 

• Ability to read and create detailed paperwork 

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively in a professional manner with staff, co-workers and union partners


• Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships within a diverse and multicultural environment

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment 

• Ability to collaborate well with others across all functional areas. 

• Take appropriate steps to promote and enforce safe work practices within each area of responsibility in accordance with policies and protocols.