Millinery Craftsperson

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

The Craftsperson (Millinery) is responsible for all building, sourcing, pulling, alteration, trimming and decoration of hats and headpieces, as required by the design needs of assigned production(s). The Craftsperson collaborates directly with the Designer, Assistant Designer, Cutter, Wigs and Makeup department, and other Craft and Production departments to achieve design goals and meet production timelines, relying on an extensive knowledge of costume history, materials, techniques, and construction methods, including, but not limited to: hat blocking, patterning, wire shaping, buckram & various construction materials, hand sewing, fabric manipulation, trimming application, millinery finishing techniques, distressing and breakdown techniques, feather and embellishment work, and the fitting, modification, and maintenance of hats and headpieces for theatrical performance. This role serves as a lead craftsperson across multiple productions, balancing assigned show responsibilities while supporting additional projects as needed. The Craftsperson attends dress rehearsals and other production events to assist in executing notes, maintains accurate records, and collaborates with wardrobe management and fellow craftsperson’s to coordinate schedules and workloads. Responsibilities also include maintaining the millinery workroom and equipment, managing supply orders, and upholding production standards. This is a unionized position reporting to the Costume Director and represented by IATSE Local 357.

Responsibilities:

• Interpret sketches and design references and collaborate with Designers and others to ensure all elements of hat and headpiece design are realized in the final product.
• Execute all required millinery construction, blocking, wire work, covering, trimming, finishing, repair, alteration, and fitting as required by the design needs of each assigned production.
• Attend design meetings, fittings and technical/dress rehearsals as needed. 
• Maintain accurate show records, including a show binder, material and trim samples, purchase and sourcing details, and process documentation for each assigned production. 
• Work closely with Heads of Wardrobe to deliver finished hats and headpieces within time and budgetary constraints, including regular updates on estimated hours to complete.
• Manage workloads and timelines in a repertory schedule, including balancing the needs of multiple productions and designers simultaneously.
• Collaborate with the other Millinery craftspersons on workload assignments and timelines and assist on projects for all productions, as required.
• Ability to teach methods and contribute to the training needs of junior Milliners in the department 
• Provide specific care and maintenance instructions for hats and headpieces for the run of the show, including providing touch-up and repair supplies as needed.
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
• Foster a caring and inclusive work environment consistent with all Stratford Festival policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.)
• 4 to 6 years at an equivalent responsibility level and proven experience in working in the theatre or film industry in a related area.
• Proven knowledge of millinery construction techniques, hat blocking, wire shaping, fabric manipulation, trimming application, and demonstrated proficiency working with a variety of materials, buckram, felts, straws, fabrics, thermoplastics, dyes, paints, adhesives, and finishing products.
• Ability to adapt millinery construction and finishing techniques to meet the physical demands of theatrical performance, long production runs, choreography and movement requirements, integration with wigs and hairpieces, quick changes, and repeated use and maintenance.
• Thorough understanding of the costume design and construction processes and a working knowledge of all related aspects of theatre production.
• Ability to work productively under pressure and successfully manage the demands of multiple productions simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team professionally and effectively. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task while working in a busy environment.
• Ability to stand for long periods, work in hot and humid environments, lift up to 50lbs and work overtime, as required.  
• Experience working with iPads and Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
• Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods
• Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance
• Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
• Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
• Diplomacy: show discretion and tact in dealing with a variety of stakeholders.
• Leadership: successfully guide others to maximize their capabilities to achieve a collective goal; help them to succeed and thrive

This seasonal full-time unionized posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin February 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.

Job Type: Seasonal Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $27.80 - $43.57

Application Deadline: August 30, 2026.