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!
The Cutter/Tailor is responsible for interpreting costume sketches and design references to support the execution of all garments required for the design needs of assigned production(s). The Cutter/Tailor collaborates directly with the Designer, Assistant Designer, Craft departments, Head of Wardrobe and other Production departments to achieve design goals and meet production timelines, relying on an extensive knowledge of costume history, materials, techniques, and construction methods. This role is responsible for drafting, draping, tailoring and cutting costume pieces, supervising the construction and alteration of garments, and attending fittings to ensure proper execution and fit. The Cutter/Tailor also manages workloads and timelines across multiple productions in collaboration with wardrobe management and fellow Cutter/Tailors; directs a team of sewers, including performing training and evaluations; attends dress rehearsals and other production events to assist in executing notes; and maintains accurate documentation as required. Responsibilities also include maintaining the wardrobe shop workspaces and equipment in coordination with wardrobe management, 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 take direction from designers to ensure all elements of costume design are realized in the final garments.
- Execute the drafting and/or draping and cutting of all built costume pieces, as assigned.
- Supervise the construction of all built costumes and the alteration of all other costumes, as assigned.
- Request and attend all costume fittings, as necessary.
- Work closely with Heads of Wardrobe to deliver finished costumes associated with pre-determined timelines, build hours and budgets, 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.
- Direct a team of multiple sewers and provide training, instruction, and evaluations, as required.
- Attend all meetings, rehearsals, and technical events, as required.
- Oversee regular shop maintenance tasks and liaise with Wardrobe Management to manage shop supply stock and repair requests.
- 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 wardrobe duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
- 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.
- Demonstrated proficiency in men’s and/or women’s garment construction, including both flat patternmaking and draping techniques.
- Knowledge of costume history, modern and period silhouettes and how to adapt them for theatrical costumes. Familiarity with men’s soft tailoring, children’s clothing, corsetry, structural shapes, and knitwear is an asset.
- A 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 manage a team professionally and effectively. Supervisory experience is an asset.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Experience working with iPads and Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Results oriented: diligently pursue a project to fruition and inspire others to do the same
- Leadership: successfully guide others to maximize their capabilities to achieve a collective goal; help them to succeed and thrive
- Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.
- 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 contribution
- Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure
- Problem-Solving: able to identify challenges, analyze root causes, and develop practical solutions.
- Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods
- Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
This seasonal full-time unionized posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin January 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: $39.70 - $44.45
Application Deadline: August 30, 2026.
Shared Values:
- Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
- Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
- Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
- Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
- Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive
Who Should Apply:
We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.
No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.
