Job Description: Wardrobe Supervisor

The Wardrobe Supervisor is the person who oversees all of the costumes for a show from the time the production moves into the theatre until strike. Sometimes the show’s costumer might assume these responsibilities in addition to designing and constructing the costumes.

REHEARSAL PERIOD

  • Meet with costumer to determine the scope of your position and responsibilities.
  • Read the script so you have an understanding of the show.
  • With the costumer, watch a run-through of a rehearsal to get an idea of the flow of the show and a sense of the timing for costume changes, etc.

AT THE THEATRE

  • Assist costumer with assigning dressing rooms and setting up a wardrobe room with ironing board, steamer, sewing machine, supplies, etc.
  • Assist costumer in making sure dressing rooms, green room area, lavatories and other basement sites are clean and ready for load-in. If there are problems needing to be addressed by BCAF, inform the ACT office.
  • Assist costumer with setting up any backstage changing areas needed for production.
  • At, costumer’s discretion, enlist volunteers to work wardrobe crew for final rehearsals and performances.
  • Assist costumer with transfer of costumes and racks from ACT building to theatre.
  • Review costume list for each character with costumer so you’re familiar with the number of pieces associated with each outfit. Pay particular attention to accessories and costume props and make sure they’re included in each actor’s character bag.
  • Make sure all costume pieces are labeled with the actor or character name.
  • Review costume change plot with costumer so you’re familiar with when and where changes take place. If necessary, assign dressers.
  • Before the first dress rehearsal, review with the actors any rules or directions regarding their costumes including:
  • No smoking, drinking or eating in costume.
  • No personal jewelry worn during show.
  • No use of perfume, cologne or aftershave while in costume.
  • No being seen by audience in costume other than onstage.
  • Procedure for where to put costumes needing mending or laundered after performances.
  • Don’t make any changes to costumes without checking with costumer or wardrobe supervisor.
  • Before the first dress rehearsal, practice any fast or difficult changes, with the costumer, actor and dressers present. Make sure stage managers have a list of where and when these costume changes take place so they can be aware of them during performances.
  • Advise wardrobe crew members working backstage as dressers to wear black clothing just in case they need to go onstage during scene changes.
  • Assist costumer with dress parade, if there is to be one so director can approve costumes prior to their actual use in dress rehearsal.

PERFORMANCES

  • Make sure all changes are operating smoothly and find solutions for any problems
  • Maintain the costumes during the run of the show, including laundering, ironing, mending and refitting, and make sure all costume pieces are ready for each performance.
  • After each performance, check to make sure all costume pieces have been returned by actors or wardrobe staff to dressing rooms or appropriate storage site.
  • After each performance, check for any repair work necessary, even if actors haven’t brought them to your attention.
  • Complete any necessary laundering and ironing before next performance.

POST-PRODUCTION

  • Supervise or assist costumer with strike of all costume pieces, racks, equipment and supplies according to guidelines on costumer’s job description.
  • Submit any receipts for reimbursement to costumer for his or her report to production manager.