Job Description
When you go and see a stage play, I am responsible for everything that the actors are wearing. From their pants, shirts, dresses, right down to their undergarments.
I help the designer and director come together and get their combined vision across.
I help the designers in costume fittings, making sure that each piece of clothing fits perfectly. I also ensure that the actors are comfortable in what they are wearing and that they are able to do all the movements that they will be required to do on stage; choreography, running, fitting, etc.
I work with the stage management team and together we get all the backstage paperwork done. This paperwork lets the dressers and actors know where and when they are changing costume looks.
Relevant School Subjects
- Business
Areas of Expertise
- Design/Arts
- Not for Profit
- Performing Arts/Entertainment
- Personal/Other Services
Career Story
My parents were involved in theatre when I was young and they got their start on their high school tech crews/drama clubs. When I went to high school, I joined the tech crew and got the theatre bug. From there I applied to a number of different universities and colleges for theatre school.
I got into Ryerson University, now Toronto Metropolitan University, for the technical theatre program and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance production. During university, I worked for a number of production companies in Toronto, I also went to Banff to work at The Banff Festival, in the wardrobe department.
When I graduated (2007), I got a job working with Drayton Entertainment, in the wardrobe department. I started off as a stitcher and worked my way up to be the Wardrobe Supervisor. I started my own tailoring/alterations business, Loose Threads, in 2017. In 2022, I stepped down from management my position at Drayton, to become a part-time employee. I became the costume coordinator for WLU's Opera in the winter of 2023.