Position Title:  Wardrobe and Props Apprentice

Position Type:  Full-time, Contract

Start Date: Flexible – August/September 2025

Salary:  $930/week

Application Deadline:  March 19th, 2025

 

ABOUT CANADIAN STAGE

Canadian Stage’s mission is to be the leading contemporary performing arts organizations in the country. A collision of disciplines and cultures, Canadian Stage reflects the dynamism and complexity of Canada and is a vital artistic force locally, nationally and internationally. Sharing innovative work from Canada and across the world, the company stages an annual season across four Toronto venues, including its beautiful heritage building near Berkeley and Front Street, in the vibrant St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.

In its long and storied history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and produced hundreds of new productions to over 5,000,000 audience members, including the premieres of 350+ new Canadian works. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada's most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General's, Chalmers, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Wardrobe and Props Apprentice (WPA) is a member of the Production Department and reports to Director of Production. Their key role will be to learn through shadowing and small projects under the supervision of the Head of Props and Head of Wardrobe over the course of 43 weeks. They will rotate between the two departments based on the needs of the season and the apprentice’s interests. Longer periods of time will be prioritized so the apprentice can see projects through to the end. The WPA will gain valuable insight into the operation of both departments and how they work inside of Canadian Stage. This is a training position, subject to funding.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Other members of the Production Department including Site and Production Manager, Technical Director, and ATDs
• The creative and production teams of productions and presentations
• External organizations such as renters, suppliers, etc.

 

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Attend weekly Production Department meetings
• Attend Production Meetings for shows
• Assisting in the organizing of stock, materials and shops.
• Props
  • Learn to cost a designer’s preliminary and final designs
  • Learn to shop with Props Designer and Head of Props to execute vision
  • Learn how to scale props design into budget.
  • Learn to break a prop build down into components; source and execute a build to completion
  • Learn how the props department interacts with Wardrobe, Lighting, and Technical Direction
  • Learn how props construction engages with various IA 58 union crews.
  • Hands on learning through projects on Canadian Stage productions.
  • Learn how the props department works within Canadian Stage.
• Wardrobe
  • Learn to cost a designer’s preliminary and final designs
  • Learn to shop with a Costume Designer and Head of Wardrobe to execute vision.
  • Learn how to scale costume design into budget.
  • Learn how to run a shop; shadow cutters and stitchers.
  • Learn how the wardrobe department works within Canadian Stage.
  • Hands on learning through projects on Canadian Stage productions.
  • Learn budget reconciliation.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A love of theatre and/or the performing arts
• A degree, diploma, or certificate in technical theatre or scenography OR a year of professional experience in props or wardrobe.
• Available to work evenings and weekends;
• Experience working in a team-based collaborative environment with a positive attitude
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver's License

 

STATEMENT OF INTENTION

Canadian Stage is committed to building an anti-racist, equitable and inclusive cultural institution. We work to reflect the stories, ideas, concerns, and priorities of the communities we have been entrusted to serve authentically and meaningfully.

To address the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators at our organization, and to affirm the importance of diverse lived experiences and perspectives, we encourage and welcome applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should include:

• A cover letter stating the candidate’s interest in the position and relevant experience. The letter should be no longer than one page.
• A Resume no longer than one page.

Please merge your cover letter and resume into one PDF and use the email subject header, “Wardrobe and Props Apprentice”

Please submit your application to Daniel Bennett at dbennett@canadianstage.com no later than March 19, 2025.