POSITION: WARDROBE TECHNICIAN
POSITION TYPE: 35 WEEK CONTRACT EMPLOYEE
CONTRACT DURATION: AUGUST 31, 2026 to MAY 16, 2027
REPORTS TO: COSTUME DIRECTOR + COSTUME MANAGER
General Description
The Wardrobe Technician is a full-time seasonal contract position reporting to the Costume Director. This position works closely with company dancers and costume shop employees to facilitate the use of costumes within the company. In daily operations, the Wardrobe Technician primarily assists the costume department with constructing, altering, embellishing, and repairing costumes for all Carolina Ballet productions and will be a part of the wardrobe team that facilitates all performances at the theater. This position does require working nights and weekends, during performances and tech week, as determined by the production calendar and performance schedule. During performance weeks at the theater, responsibilities will include, but not be limited to assisting dancers, overseeing hired dressers provided by the venue, performing quick changes, and repairing costumes as needed.
Position Duties:
- Construct, alter, embellish, and repair costumes and costume-related items, to include stretch fabrics and tulle, among other materials.
- Dyeing fabrics, as needed by designs and production requirements.
- Dyeing pointe shoes and ballet shoes, as needed by production requirements.
- Assist in labeling all costumes and costume accessories for proper identification by dancers and staff.
- Assist in running all shows, including but not limited to the following duties:
- Run an assigned dressing track as indicated by the Costume Manager.
- Repair and maintain costumes in the studio and at the theater.
- Complete costume load-out, laundering, and restocking.
- Carry out other duties as assigned in the costume shop.
Qualifications/Skills:
- 3 to 5 years experience in a professional costume shop position.
- Advanced hand and machine sewing experience.
- Advanced costume construction skills.
- Strong organization skills.
- Wardrobe run crew experience at a performance venue.
- Interests/experience in Hair, Wig, and Makeup, Costume Crafts, and/or tailoring desired but not required.
Management Preferences:
The Carolina Ballet Costume Shop works together very closely and are in search of positive, energetic, and adaptable individuals who aspire to be a part of a creative and hardworking team. The Costume Department is a six-person team who all work together in one costume shop.
Duration of position: 35 paid weeks. August 31, 2026 to May 16, 2027, renewable annually based on performance and discretion of the Costume Director.
This contract has TWO UNPAID layoff weeks, Nov. 23 to 27 and Dec. 28 to Jan. 1.
Compensation: $850, weekly salary.
Benefits: Includes Fully Paid Employee Medical, Life and AD+D insurance and other company amenities as available. Comp tickets are available for all full-time employees. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any relocation or housing assistance at this time.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please email your cover letter, resume, and three references, which includes their phone numbers and email addresses, to Terry Baker (he/him), Costume Manager at tbaker@carolinaballet.com. Please title the subject line with Wardrobe Technician.
The Ballet believes a diverse workforce will enhance its ability to fulfill the mission of providing world-class ballet, community engagement and outreach. The position will remain open until a candidate has been identified and an offer has been made and accepted.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Carolina Ballet is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.
