The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and values of our organization. Our recruitment process strives to be interactive, accessible, and responsive. Once employed, the Folger provides a generous compensation, leave, and benefits package, as well as many opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Job Description:

Wardrobe Second Hand, Folger Theatre  

Home to the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, Folger Shakespeare Library is a world-class center for scholarship, learning, culture, and the arts. Folger Theatre is a not-for-profit AEA company that produces a full season of plays by Shakespeare and other world-class playwrights.  

We are seeking a Wardrobe Second Hand to join the Wardrobe staff for the November 2026 rental for Opera Lafayette. This production will take place at Folger Shakespeare Library This position reports to the Costume Supervisor and Opera Lafayette’s Production Manager and is an exciting opportunity for a team player to invest in a dynamic company.  

The performance schedule is for the weekend of November 14-15, with load-in and tech November 10-13 and pays $24/hour.  

Pandemic Response: All staff, contractors, and visitors working or visiting onsite are required to be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and furnish proof of vaccination (unless they have received a medical or religious exemption). Masks are required in all shared or public spaces onsite until further notice  

Compensation:  

• This position is hourly and weekly-paid, at a rate of $24/hr, with the ability to earn overtime pay (overtime is 1.5x the pay rate for all hours worked over 40 in one week).  

• Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous 403b match, outlined at https://www.folger.edu/employee-benefits.  

Duties:  

• Support and assist the costume supervisor and wardrobe head in creation and maintenance of costumes and with running of the production.  

• Responsible for transportation of materials, shopping, and errands  

• Assist the Wardrobe staff with running shows, including:  

• Load in and load out of wardrobe elements   

• Setup of dressing rooms   

• Stitching   

• Maintenance of costumes  

• Upkeep of wardrobe areas  

• Facilitation of quick changes  

• Promote a safe and healthy work environment alongside other team members.  

Qualifications:  

• Must be self-starting, detail-oriented, and reliable  

• Familiarity with hair and makeup desirable  

• Must have basic knowledge of sewing, ironing, altering, laundering  

• Wardrobe running crew experience needed, professional theater industry experience preferred  

• Driver's license and reliable transportation required (will be reimbursed for mileage)  

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:  

This job operates in a professional theatre environment, and the employee may be exposed to various components of a theatrical environment such as fluorescent lighting, low light environment, pollen, dust, recycled air, cooling fans, semi-enclosed areas, central heating, seasonal warmer temperatures, and office noise. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.       

• Candidates are required to have the ability to climb stairs, stand and kneel for extended periods of time, lift twenty pounds, and work effectively in a low-light environment.  

• Requires ability to operate sewing machines, clothing steamers, irons, and other wardrobe related machinery.   

• Requires manual dexterity to operate hair and wig maintenance tools and use hand sewing for repairs.   

• Candidates must also have the capacity to communicate, in person, or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods, in a manner which can be understood by others.  

Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please.

The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To learn more about our benefits, please click here.