Who We Are:
Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.
The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.
Why You Should Apply:
- Creative work environment
- Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
- Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
- Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
- Being a part of the magic of live theatre!
In preparation for an exciting 2027 season at the Stratford Festival, we are seeking applications for several contracts for Assistant Costume Designers. Some positions may be crossover roles – combining Assistant Set/Props and Costume Design depending on the needs of Production. Assistant Designers report to the Head of Design and Design Coordinator and are part of the design team. Assistant Designers work collaboratively with designers, creative teams, Festival staff and craftspeople to see the design process of one or more shows through from the assistant’s arrival to Opening.
All positions require full-time residency for the contract period in Stratford, ON, or surrounding area. Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada. Due to the seasonal and production-based nature of the Festival’s operations, contract lengths vary and are approximately 16-20 weeks in length and begin as early as January 4, 2027. Assistant Designers are typically paid a weekly rate, that covers up to 44 hours per week. Overtime, when approved by the Head of Design, should be expected during the busiest periods, and is paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. The maximum number of hours per week with overtime is 60, in accordance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).
Please indicate which design discipline/s you are applying for in your cover letter. You need only apply to one posting, even if you are able to work in more than one discipline. Interviews with short-listed candidates would take place over the summer, with offers as soon as possible after interviews are complete.
Assistant Costume Designer responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist the costume design process on specific productions by following through the visual aspects of the productions and interpreting drawings for costumes
- Research and acquisition of photographic reference and distributing this information to the various departments and craftspeople
- Assist with the online sourcing and purchasing process and in-person buying trips to acquire fabric samples, costume pieces and materials
- Attend production and design meetings with the designer to support the creative team on the design process
- Maintain clear and consistent lines of communication between all team members and Designer
- Liaise with fabricators and department Buyers to ensure all needs are met for the realization of design
- Prepare for and attend all fittings with the designer and document the process
- Assist with crossover items between set/props, costumes, lighting, sound, or video as required
- Attend preview performances
- Compile all paperwork for use in the production process as well as for archiving purposes
- Lead the process of understudy costume acquisition, selection and fittings
- Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
- Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Design
- 2 to 4 years of experience working as a Designer or Assistant Designer in a professional theatre environment
- Strong knowledge of costume history, ability to measure garments accurately and understanding of how costumes are constructed
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive and applications
Behavioural Competencies:
- Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
- Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
- Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
- Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance
This contract full-time posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin in 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Candidates are required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Job Type: Contract Full-Time
Hourly Rate: $27.45 - $28.54
Application Deadline: July 10, 2026.
Shared Values:
- Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
- Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
- Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
- Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
- Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive
Who Should Apply:
We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.
No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!
If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.
