Wardrobe manager: Job description and activities

A wardrobe manager supervises the making, buying, hiring and maintenance of costumes, accessories and wigs. They also control the budget for these items.

In a large venue, the wardrobe team might be 50 strong; in provincial theatre, the team may consist of the manager and one or two assistants.

Wardrobe managers normally have a design background and/or excellent tailoring skills, as well as good knowledge of period dress.

Typical work activities include:

working closely with the costume designer;
ensuring costumes are maintained throughout the performance;
arranging the proper storage of costumes when a production has finished;
liaising with designers to decide on fabrics and styles;
deciding which costumes will be made and which will be hired or bought (depending on the budget);
purchasing fabric;
arranging costume fittings;
delegating tasks to other members of the wardrobe team;
undertaking practical tailoring work;
sourcing other costumes and accessories;
keeping records of the designs and samples of materials for use in revivals or other productions.