Wardrobe Show Support Manager

The Wardrobe Show Support Manager plays a crucial role in maintaining the costumes for touring productions. Responsibilities include assisting the Costume Shop Manager with show support, providing technical assistance to wardrobe crews, gathering information on upkeep and refurb needs, and developing care standards for each show. You will also manage a master refurb list and assist in recruiting qualified personnel.

To be considered for the Wardrobe Show Support Manager position, candidates should have 1-3 years of experience in touring productions and 3-5 years in wardrobe for large-scale theatrical shows. Also required are superior organizational skills, the ability to train wardrobe crews in costume care, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

The Wardrobe Show Support Manager supports touring productions by ensuring that costumes are well-maintained and ready for performance. This includes evaluating wardrobe conditions on the road, addressing maintenance needs, coordinating refurbishments, and training crew members in essential care methods to ensure the integrity of the costumes throughout the tour.

Success as the Wardrobe Show Support Manager requires exceptional organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and proficiency in problem-solving. Candidates must also be skilled in instructing crew members in costume care, have high mathematical, written, and verbal reasoning abilities, and be adaptable enough to travel as needed.

Candidates for the Wardrobe Show Support Manager position should be prepared for a variety of physical demands, including sitting, walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting. This ensures you're ready to handle the physicality of maintaining and supporting the wardrobe for productions, which often requires being on your feet and managing costumes in different settings.

To ensure costumes are maintained effectively, I would implement a systematic approach, creating a checklist for daily inspections and assigning responsibilities to crew members for specific tasks. Communication with the team is crucial to monitor any issues and address them immediately.

Certainly! There was an instance during a tour when a lead costume had significant damage right before a performance. I quickly assessed the situation, organized an emergency repair with available resources, and communicated effectively with the crew to ensure we made it in time for the show.

In my previous role, I developed and conducted training sessions for new wardrobe staff, focusing on proper cleaning methods, sewing techniques, and repairs. I encourage hands-on practice along with detailed manuals to reinforce learning.

Prioritization is key. I would assess the urgency of each request by evaluating the show schedule and costume conditions. Utilizing project management tools also helps streamline the maintenance schedule and enables effective delegation.

I believe in establishing regular checkpoints through daily briefings, using mobile apps for real-time communication, and creating clear documentation for procedures and updates. This fosters a collaborative environment and keeps everyone informed.

I approach developing care standards by first conducting a thorough analysis of each costume's material and construction. After that, I collaborate with the costume team to establish effective procedures that align with practical use and care for the unique requirements of each show.

If a costume is damaged beyond repair, I would immediately communicate the situation to the Costume Shop Manager, assess the possibility for quick repairs or replacements, and explore options for emergency backup costumes to minimize impact on the performance.

I would address conflicts directly but diplomatically. Initiating one-on-one conversations can often uncover underlying issues. Fostering a team-friendly environment where everyone feels valued can also go a long way in preventing conflicts.

Teamwork is essential in this role because each member has a unique contribution to the success of the production. By collaborating effectively, we can share ideas, streamline operations, and ensure that all costume aspects are managed smoothly for every performance.

My biggest strength lies in my organizational abilities paired with my passion for costumes. I excel at creating streamlined processes to keep everything running smoothly and can engage a diverse team to maintain high standards in costume care and support.