Head of Wardrobe
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Deadline: Open until a suitable candidate is found
Salary: $1475 per week
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus — artists, leaders and thinkers — to unleash their creative potential.
Banff Centre is excited to showcase the works of artists at this year’s Banff Summer Arts Festival. We’re looking for a head of wardrobe who can work collaboratively to provide artistic support for this summer’s Opera performances. Reporting to the production manager, performing arts, this pivotal role plays a key part in bringing creative visions to life on stage.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supply and construct all wardrobe required for the events and activities which fall under the Performing Arts department.
- Providing all required costume related elements for performance and rehearsal of all Performing Arts production activity.
- Execute costume designs as provided by the costume designer including all necessary paperwork and ensuring that the artistic needs of the costume designs are met at a professional standard of excellence.
- Operation and maintenance of the wardrobe shop and related adjacent areas
- Administration of the wardrobe department, including supervision of wardrobe staff, with attention to safety procedures and within the supplied frameworks of budget, staffing, equipment, space and time.
- Effective communication with the Production Manager, head of properties, costumes designers, heads of wigs and makeup, and stage management in order to best bring together the elements of technical production, artistic requirements and training needs.
- Determine the most efficient and cost-effective methods of construction and develop accurate costings.
- Supervise and facilitate wardrobe construction including but not limited to an understanding of periods and period garments, understanding of fabrics, terminology and other training activities.
- Assist the Production Manager in developing production schedules and actively participate in all the planning stages of each production.
- Gather information and put forward recommendations on the acquisition of tools, hardware and capital equipment.
- Be knowledgeable of related industry trends to include the application of up-to-date techniques and use of special materials and current health and safety standards as well as being familiar with the accident prevention manual.
- Prepare occasional written reports and papers to document departmental needs, status and concerns relating to a wide field of subjects.
Qualification and Educational Requirements
- Diploma/Degree in performing arts/arts production or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years’ experience working in a performing arts environment with wardrobe design, construction, cutting and stitching.
- Experience with domestic and industrial sewing machines, as well as hand sewing techniques.
- Experience supervising and coaching team members in technical/production-based artistic environments.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of products with advanced Excel and Outlook skills.
- Reliable and self-motivated with the ability to work independently without close supervision.
- Strong attention to detail with strong administrative and effective communication skills.
- Proven organizational expertise and ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
- Customer-centric approach, which results in exceptional customer service delivery.
Special Requirements: Due to the nature of the work, the Head of Wardrobe will be expected to be available to work occasional evenings and weekends depending on performance schedules.
Employment Terms & Benefits
In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, salaried support staff position, subject to a 6-month probation period.
The salary for this position is $1475 per week, based on working 40 hours per week.
This is a term position from June 2 – July 29, 2025.
Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
- Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
- Professional development
- Employee Assistance Program
- Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
- Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!
Application Process
We are accepting applications for this position until a suitable candidate is found.
Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
Visa Requirements: Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
For more information and to apply visit banffcentre.ca.
