How to Be Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 2, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor is essential to ensure that the performance runs smoothly. This person is responsible for providing, organizing and maintaining the wardrobe for dancers. They must plan and allocate each dancer's costume, ensuring that it is properly cleaned, mended, and stored.

They must also ensure that the costumes are suitable for each dance style, and fit the body of the dancer correctly. they must check that the costumes are in good condition before each performance, and make sure the dancers are dressed and ready in time. As a result, a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor plays an important part in making sure that the performance looks professional and is of high quality.

Other related entities include costume designers, seamstresses, and choreographers.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. A basic understanding of math, English, and science will be beneficial in obtaining a job as a wardrobe supervisor.
Consider enrolling in a fashion design course or program to learn how to create different styles of clothing. This will give you a better understanding of wardrobe design and construction.
Take classes in business management and accounting. Knowing how to manage and budget a wardrobe department will be important in becoming a wardrobe supervisor.
Obtain an internship or apprenticeship with a professional dance company wardrobe department. This will give you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced professionals.
Gain employment as a wardrobe assistant in a dance company. Working as an assistant will help you learn the ins and outs of wardrobe management, from creating costumes to keeping track of inventory.
Continue your education by attending conferences and taking classes on costume and wardrobe management.
Demonstrate your ability to handle multiple tasks, work well with others, create costumes with accuracy and efficiency, and possess excellent organizational skills.
Apply for the position of Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor when it becomes available. You will need to have at least three years of experience in the wardrobe department before you can apply for this job.
Prepare for an interview and take the time to research the dance company you are applying to.
Get the job and begin working as Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor!

The role of a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor is to ensure that costumes are cleaned, organized and maintained in an efficient and reliable manner. An effective wardrobe supervisor must have a keen eye for detail, excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks. Taking proper care of costumes is essential for the success of a dance company as it helps create a professional image, ensures costumes are in pristine condition for performances and helps maintain consistency within the dance company's aesthetic.

Furthermore, having an organized wardrobe can help save time and money by preventing the need for costly repairs or replacements. In order to be reliable and efficient, a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor must adhere to the highest standards of performance and take proactive steps to keep the wardrobe in order.

You may want to check Dance Company Touring Videographer, Dance Company Director, and Dance Company Production Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure all costumes, props, and accessories are maintained in excellent condition and ready for use at rehearsals and performances.
Keep and maintain a detailed inventory of all items in the wardrobe.
Manage costume fittings for dancers, ensuring all costumes and accessories fit correctly.
Oversee dry cleaning and laundering of costumes as needed.
Maintain a sewing and repair area for alterations to costumes as needed.
Work with costume designers to create new costumes and modify existing designs as needed.
Supervise and coordinate wardrobe crew, including dressers and seamstresses.
Create a budget and manage costs related to wardrobe production and maintenance.
Liaise with other departments, such as the scenic, lighting, and sound departments, to ensure that wardrobe needs are met during rehearsals and performances.
Assist with organization of prop and costume storage areas.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
Knowledge of fashion and costume design
Experience in wardrobe maintenance
Ability to sew and make basic repairs
Knowledge of fabrics, textiles and sewing techniques
Understanding of safety codes and regulations related to costumes
Ability to work with performers of all ages and backgrounds
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Attention to detail
Ability to work collaboratively with other members of the production team
Knowledge of costuming needs for various styles of dance
Experience in inventory management and budgeting
Proficiency in computer software related to wardrobe management

A Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor is a vital role in any performance group, requiring a diverse range of skills and abilities. The most important skill for a Wardrobe Supervisor to have is the ability to accurately and efficiently organize and manage the costumes and wardrobe items for the dancers. This requires a deep understanding of the various pieces, as well as the ability to keep track of the goods, make necessary repairs, and develop a system of organization.

An efficient Wardrobe Supervisor will be able to anticipate any changes that may occur during rehearsals or performances and be prepared to adjust accordingly. the Wardrobe Supervisor should possess strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with dancers, costume designers, and other staff members. By having these skills, a Wardrobe Supervisor can ensure the dancers always have what they need to look their best and perform their best, leading to a successful show.

Dance Performance Technician, Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer, and Dance Company Tour Booking Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with wardrobe management for live performances?
How would you prioritize the needs of a production when dealing with wardrobe?
What methods do you use to stay organized and keep track of wardrobe pieces?
How do you handle the stress of working with a tight timeline?
How would you ensure that performers are properly dressed for each performance?
Describe a time when you had to make a major wardrobe change during a show.
What techniques do you use to maintain the quality of costumes and accessories?
What strategies do you employ to ensure performers are comfortable in their wardrobe?
How would you handle a situation where an actor needs to make a last-minute wardrobe change?
What processes do you have in place to properly store and handle delicate costumes?

Common Tools in Industry

Sewing Machine. Used to stitch together fabric pieces for costume repairs. (Eg: Singer Sewing Machine)
Iron and Ironing Board. Used to press fabric for a finished look. (Eg: Rowenta Pro Iron)
Needles, Thread, and Pins. Used to attach fabric pieces securely. (Eg: Assorted Sizes of Needles, All-Purpose Thread, Glass-Head Pins)
Scissors. Used to cut fabric to size or trim off excess threads. (Eg: Fiskars 8 Inch Scissors)
Measuring Tape. Used to measure fabric pieces to ensure they are the correct size. (Eg: Stanley Powerlock Measuring Tape)
Fabric Glue. Used to adhere fabrics that cannot be sewn together. (Eg: Aleenes Fabric Fusion)
Steamers. Used to remove wrinkles from costumes before a performance. (Eg: Jiffy Garment Steamer)
Lint Rollers. Used to keep costumes looking clean and presentable. (Eg: Scotch-Brite Lint Rollers)
Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener. Used to keep costumes clean and smelling fresh. (Eg: Tide Laundry Detergent, Downy Fabric Softener)

Professional Organizations to Know

Dance/USA
International Association for Dance Medicine and Science
National Dance Education Organization
Society of Dance History Scholars
World Dance Alliance
Dance Heritage Coalition
Dance/USAs Council of Organizations
Association of Performing Arts Professionals
American Alliance for Theatre & Education
International Council of Fine Arts Deans

We also have Dance Company Booking Agent, Dance Company Touring Merchandiser, and Dance Troupe Performer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Costume Design. The process of creating clothing and accessories for a dance performance or production.
Costume Construction. The physical creation of costumes, either through sewing, millinery, pattern-making, etc.
Wardrobe Maintenance. The upkeep of costumes to ensure they remain in good condition for future performances.
Fabrication. The sourcing and purchasing of materials needed for costume construction.
Dyeing. The process of altering fabric colors for use in costumes.
Cleaning and Storage. The cleaning and storage of costumes after performances to ensure their longevity.
Accessories. Additional items such as jewelry, hats, scarves, etc. that may be used to complete a costume look.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main duties of a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor?

A Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor is responsible for managing the wardrobe supplies and costumes of the company, organizing fittings and alterations, and coordinating costume changes with performers.

What qualifications are required for a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor?

A Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor should have experience in costume construction, design and fittings, as well as a keen eye for detail. Knowledge of theatre production processes, scheduling, and inventory management is also important.

What kind of environment does a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor work in?

A Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor typically works in a fast-paced theatre environment, with frequent changes in production demands. They should expect to work long hours in order to meet deadlines.

What kind of skills are needed by a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor?

A Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor should have excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to problem solve quickly and effectively. Crafting skills, such as sewing and fabric manipulation, are also important.

How much does a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor earn?

The salary for a Dance Company Wardrobe Supervisor can vary depending on experience and location. According to PayScale, the average salary for this role is $48,000 per year.