Wardrobe Technician

On Site•Ashland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wardrobe Technician prepares and maintains costumes for Oregon Shakespeare Festival productions and runs costume show tracks, including assisting actors with dressing and costume changes. The role includes checking in and presetting costumes and accessories before performances, collecting and maintaining them afterward, and handling laundry, basic repairs, steaming, ironing, and other show-maintenance needs. During technical rehearsals, the technician collaborates with stage managers to create show tracks, solve complex show moments, take notes, and prepare run lists and related paperwork. The technician works collaboratively with supervisors, actors, stage managers, and fellow run crew members to keep productions running and costumes maintained throughout the season. When assigned by the Wardrobe Manager, the technician may serve as production Crew Head, acting as a point of communication between the wardrobe crew and stage management. The role may also include understudying other wardrobe crew-run tracks, helping strike shows, attending scheduled meetings, rehearsals and training, and maintaining wardrobe spaces, equipment, supplies, and storage. The position supports OSF’s mission and values by fostering inclusion and belonging and maintaining a safe, anti-racist working environment.

Requirements

At least 2 years of professional theater or live entertainment experience as a costume run crew technician or dresser; experience in a higher education technical theater program may be considered in lieu of professional experience.
Ability to read, listen, and prioritize tasks.
Ability to communicate about body proportions, hair textures and styling, skin tones, and genders using respectful and equitable language.
Basic hand and machine sewing skills, including experience with home and industrial sewing and overlock machines.
Comfort processing costumes made from different textiles with specific treatment needs.
Comfort using industrial and domestic ironing and steaming equipment.
Knowledge of craft repairs such as jewelry repair, shoe maintenance, and riveting.
Experience with domestic and industrial washers and dryers.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and cloud-based information-sharing systems.
Ability to problem-solve under time pressure and work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to maintain a positive and respectful work atmosphere and recover from challenges or unexpected changes.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Able to lift and carry 40 pounds; regularly climb ladders, stairs, and ramps; push and pull loads and carts; and reach above the shoulders to restock boxes.
Able to work a variable, split-shift schedule, including regular nighttime and weekend hours and required overtime, especially during technical rehearsals.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain costumes for OSF shows and run costume show tracks.
Assist actors with dressing and costume changes during performances.
Check in and preset costumes and accessories for each performance.
Collect and maintain costumes and accessories after performances.
During technical rehearsals, collaborate with stage managers to create show tracks, solve complicated show moments, take notes, and create run lists and other paperwork.
Laundry items needing immediate attention during or after a show, and perform costume and accessory maintenance such as basic repairs, steaming, and ironing.
Perform other laundry and maintenance duties as assigned.
Collaborate with supervisors, actors, stage managers, and fellow run crew members to ensure shows run successfully and are maintained throughout the season.
Serve as production Crew Head when assigned by the Wardrobe Manager, acting as a conduit between the wardrobe crew and stage management during a show’s run.
Understudy other wardrobe crew-run tracks.
Participate in striking shows, including cleaning, sorting, and restocking costume pieces.
Attend meetings, rehearsals, training, and other activities as scheduled by management.
Maintain wardrobe spaces, equipment, supplies, and storage.
Model and support OSF’s mission and values by demonstrating inclusive behavior, fostering belonging, maintaining a safe and anti-racist work environment, and recognizing and interrupting micro-aggressions and othering behaviors.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.