Wardrobe Director

Guthrie Theater•Minneapolis, MN

13d•$75,000 - $76,400

About The Position

The Wardrobe Director leads the Wardrobe team in the care, maintenance, and storage of all costume elements for Guthrie Theater productions and events. In close collaboration with the Wardrobe Coordinator and in collaboration with designers and other departments, this role ensures high standards of craft, continuity, and safety across the production process. The Wardrobe Director is responsible for budgeting and staffing each season as well as planning and budgeting each production. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility The schedule hours are variable depending on the dynamic needs of the theater. Hours will include evenings and weekends during tech. The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements

Demonstrated wardrobe supervision experience in a variety of organizations, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
Demonstrated leadership, supervision and project management experience.
Demonstrated professional diplomacy in personnel management and designer collaboration.
Demonstrated experience in preparing budgets and labor estimates to keep projects within an acceptable timeframe, budget, and scope.
Knowledge of IATSE collective bargaining agreements strongly preferred.
Can balance scale and scope of productions with Costume Director and production management within allocated resources.
Knowledge of fashion, hair and costume history and the principles of design to support production integrity.
Knowledge of local suppliers and sources to maintain both individual productions and department.
Knowledge of costume design and construction to effectively manage the maintenance and repair of costumes.
Knowledge of fabric cleaning products and techniques to manage costume maintenance.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office® products, specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Can work well under pressure and respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.
Skill and experience in creative problem solving to meet the artistic needs of the show within time and financial requirements.
Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace, coupled with knowledge of current best health and safety practice within the US theatre industry.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Can work variable hours depending on the dynamic needs of the theater.
Can work evenings and weekends during tech.
Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

Responsibilities

Lead, manage and supervise the Wardrobe Coordinator, Wardrobe Assistants, Wig and Wardrobe Technicians, and Wardrobe Overhires.
Check-in regularly with all direct reports.
Hire full time and overhire Wardrobe staff, including swings, to ensure quality work.
Lead department meetings to communicate pertinent information to employees.
Coach and develop staff members by monitoring employee productivity and providing constructive feedback; facilitating conflict resolution among employees; ensuring adherence to legal and organizational policies and procedures and undertaking disciplinary actions if the need arises; and completing annual performance evaluations.
Approve direct report timesheets and Personal Time Off requests and maintain personnel records.
Actively participate in team building.
Foster a work environment of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.
Proactively plan and foster communication within the Wardrobe department and with production leadership on upcoming shows.
Attend production meetings, load-in/strike meetings and production leader meetings.
Share pertinent information with Wardrobe employees.
Communicate all relevant technical information to wardrobe crew and other departments so the productions can run in a safe, timely, and resource-effective manner.
Coordinate with Production Management, Costume Shop, Wigs, and Stage Management to develop plans for handling costumes and wigs during performances, load-ins, and strikes.
Consult with production leaders on any wardrobe-related issues that arise during the production process.
Work with Costume Design Assistants to gain information on costumes, costume plots, quick changes, and other technical information relevant to developing timely and accurate Wardrobe run paperwork.
Work with Costume Design Assistants to create an understudy plan that is achievable within given resources.
Supervise the execution of the understudy plan.
In collaboration with the Wardrobe Coordinator, create a plan for the wardrobe team for each show, including dressing room assignments, work assignments, inventory, and show run plans / documents.
Coordinate with relevant departments regarding costume special effects as needed.
Lead and support the Wigs, Hair and Makeup team, Wardrobe teams and Costume Design Assistants throughout the tech process with regular meetings, information sharing, communication support and trouble shooting.
Attend all technical notes sessions or appoint a Wardrobe representative.
Ensure that all appropriate department supplies are stocked and replenished and that these resources are managed efficiently.
Ensure that wardrobe department facilities are safe for employees, and that established processes and procedures prioritize the health and safety of the team.
Collaborate with the Wardrobe Coordinator regularly to monitor project progress, equipment and staffing needs.
Manage annual budget to ensure effective utilization of financial resources in collaboration with Production Management.
Work with Director of Production to prepare and maintain capital expenditure lines.
Project and manage expenses for all Guthrie productions
Work with Events Production Manager to support institutional special events as needed.
Work collaboratively with other departments to determine and implement archival systems about each production for future reference.
Ensure all pertinent information regarding productions and costume department operations is available to all relevant personnel and updated in all file sharing and storage locations as required.
Provide coverage for Wardrobe Coordinator absences as needed.
Execute weekly cobbler runs.
Manage the costume warehouse with available costume and wardrobe staff to maintain a safe and easily accessible stock of costumes.
Ensure that equipment is properly maintained and necessary supplies are available.
Collaborate with Design Assistants and Associate Costume Director to plan rack shifts for pulling and / or restocking.
Coordinate the return and restock of costume items to stock during strike.
Manage care and maintenance of the company vehicle.

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Employer contributions to HSA
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Dependent Care FSA
Group Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
Short Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
To Guthrie productions Discounted Tickets
To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie Classes and Camps
Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps Other Perks and Resources
Guthrie Store discount
Employee Affinity Groups