Wardrobe Supervisor

Department: Production

Position Title: Wardrobe Supervisor

Reports to: Director of Production

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $70,000 - $78,000 for a 42-week season, plus 2 weeks of paid vacation

Location: In-person, 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

The Wardrobe Supervisor is responsible for the overall management and operation of the wardrobe department in support of all company productions, rehearsals, and related activities. This role oversees costume preparation, maintenance, fittings, and performance execution while ensuring the highest standard of presentation for all artists.

The Wardrobe Supervisor collaborates closely with Artistic, Production, and School leadership to support both company productions and The Washington School of Ballet performances. This position manages wardrobe budgets, supervises wardrobe staff, and ensures compliance with production schedules, union requirements, and organizational policies.

Responsibilities

Fiscal Management

• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, including costumes, supplies, shoes, accessories, maintenance, rentals, and new productions
• Track expenses and ensure adherence to approved budgets
• Submit invoices

Dancer & Costume Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of dancer measurements, including special requirements
• Track costume inventory, including shoes, accessories, and specialty items
• Supervise and conduct costume fittings and alterations as required by repertory
• Coordinate and schedule fittings in collaboration with the Director of Production
• Order and maintain inventory of shoes, ribbons, and elastics
• Oversee and enforce company shoe policies (quantity and usage per dancer)
• Dye and color shoes for specific productions
• Provide organization systems for dancers to manage their assigned shoes
• Order, label, distribute, and maintain accessory inventory (e.g., tights, belts, protective gear)
• Oversee accessory usage policies and ensure proper tracking
• Order specialty makeup required for productions
• Coordinate organization of makeup supplies for company use

Production & Performance Operations

• Oversee packing, preparation, and organization of costumes and related items for rehearsals, performances, and events
• Maintain, repair, and restore costumes, ensuring proper return to inventory
• Coordinate costume rentals, including fittings, alterations, delivery, and compliance with care requirements
• Create and maintain costume plots and production records
• Support wardrobe needs for The Washington School of Ballet performances
• Supervise and execute wardrobe operations during load-in, performances, and load-out
• Coordinate wardrobe crew scheduling in collaboration with the Director of Production
• Ensure compliance with union rules, timelines, and production schedules
• Assign dressing rooms for performers and support staff
• Oversee wardrobe operations for School performances as needed

New Productions & Costume Development

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director, choreographers, designers, and costume vendors on new productions
• Manage costume production and rental budgets
• Coordinate fittings, dress rehearsals, and costume timelines
• Develop and maintain costume plots and documentation for future restaging
• Construct or oversee in-house creation of costumes when feasible within workload and schedule
• Actively participate in creating a work culture that embodies the core values of TWB; Creativity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, Compassion, and Community.

Qualifications

• Significant professional experience in wardrobe supervision, costume construction, or theatrical production (dance experience preferred)
• Strong knowledge of costume construction, fitting, alterations, and maintenance
• Experience managing budgets and tracking expenses
• Ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• Experience working with union environments and production schedules preferred
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to supervise staff and work both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and performance schedules as required

Physical Demands:

This role requires regular physical activity. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, including costumes and related materials. Responsibilities may include handling, packing, and moving storage containers, racks, and crates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

Benefits

• Employer-paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
• 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
• Two weeks annual leave + 2 personal days+ 2 floating holiday
• Six sick days annually
• Free ballet classes
• Access to free or discounted tickets to performances

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.

About The Washington Ballet

Founded more than 80 years ago, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; To provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and To serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.