Assistant Costume Designer

Company Overview

Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festival, with a focus on providing accessible, inclusive, and vibrant theatrical works to the public. The Festival presents Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events from June to September in two modern theatre tents, in the magnificent waterfront setting of Senákw/Vanier Park. Bard Education also offers programs throughout the year. Full details here. 

Job Description

ASSISTANT COSTUME DESIGNER
1 Position –  Part-Time (Apr) & Full-Time (May-June)
2 Positions - Part-Time (Apr-May) & Full-Time (June-July)

POSITION SUMMARY
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is committed to the cultivation of local talent by providing opportunities for early career designers to refine and strengthen their craft. Through our Assistant Design Program, successful applicants will work with established theatre artists to broaden their skills and obtain professional experience on a larger scale. There are three ACD positions available, and each will assist one Costume Designer in the conception and execution of their design.  

 You’ll be part of a welcoming and collaborative staff team that is deeply committed to upholding and practicing Bard’s Company Commitments.

REPORTS TO 

The Head of Wardrobe, in conjunction with the production Costume Designer(s). 

RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Assisting, as required, in all aspects of costume design for one BMO Mainstage production and/or one Howard Family Stage production, from initial design meetings, through the building of the costumes, up to and including the opening of both shows. Duties may include but are not limited to collecting reference images, pulling costumes from stock, and sourcing and constructing design elements.  

·       Purchasing of costume elements, fabrics, and construction materials, as required by the Designer and the Head of Wardrobe. 

·       Participating in all costume fittings, including preparing and striking the fitting room for each fitting.  

·       Tracking, in conjunction with the Designer and the Head of Wardrobe, of all costume pieces and the development of costume paperwork.  

·       Sourcing and providing of all rehearsal costumes and monitoring rehearsal reports for additional costume requests and additions. 

·       Attending design meetings and weekly production meetings, as required by the Designer and the Head of Wardrobe. 

·       Participating in the technical rehearsal process, including support for the backstage wardrobe crew. 

·       Attending dress rehearsals and previews, as needed, to support the execution of the Designer’s vision. 

·       Managing schedule, with Head of Wardrobe and Designer(s), to fulfil daily departmental needs, including the flexibility to work evenings and weekends, when required by tech schedules and production needs. 

·       Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

·       Professional or semi-professional experience as a Costume Designer or Assistant Costume Designer and a demonstrated desire to pursue a career in professional theatrical design. 

·       A University or Technical College Degree/Certificate in Technical Theatre or Theatrical Design is preferred. 

·       A working knowledge of costume construction techniques/equipment is required, and a strong foundation in sewing and fabrication skills is an asset. 

·       Experience with generating theatrical paperwork, managing budgets and creating expense reports is strongly preferred. 

·       Excellent communication skills in person and through technology. 

·       A strong work ethic, an ability to self-direct, reliability, attention to detail and good organizational skills. 

·       A professional and friendly demeanor and a capacity for positive working relationships with colleagues as a member of a large and diverse organization. 

·       A Class 5 driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle, insured for business use. Mileage and increased insurance costs will be reimbursed.  

HOURS
The ACD will have varying time commitments. The expectation of weekly hours will fluctuate from occasional meetings early in the process, to an average of 30-40 hours per week during the build, load in and tech period. 

COMPENSATION
Occasional meetings and consultations may begin as early as April 2, 2024 for all three positions. The bulk of each ACD contract will be worked over an approximately 12 week long build and tech period, which will end on the opening night of the associated production (June 23, July 10 or July 14.)  

Each ACD will be paid a fee of between $4500 - $5500, depending on show requirements and applicants experience.