Assistant, Dance Wardrobe and Costumes

About Arts Umbrella

Arts Umbrella is Canada’s leading not-for-profit arts education organization for children and youth with locations in Vancouver and Surrey. Through programs in Art & Design, Dance, Theatre, Music & Film, we deliver nationally and internationally recognized programs that inspire young people ages 2-22 to live creative, authentic, and courageous lives.

Each year, we serve more than 20,000 young people across Metro Vancouver and beyond, with nearly 80% participating at no cost thanks to donor-supported programs, scholarships, and bursaries. Our impact extends far beyond our campuses through partnerships with 135 community locations, including schools, community centers, neighbourhood houses, healthcare facilities, and remote Northern communities. Together with our partners and donors, we create meaningful opportunities for young people to find their voice, build resilience, express themselves creatively, and realize their full potential. This commitment to access ensures that financial circumstances are never a barrier to experiencing the transformative power of high-quality arts education.

At Arts Umbrella, we believe that access to the arts transforms lives and strengthens communities. Our mission is to be a leader in arts education by building community and delivering profound life experiences through innovation, excellence, and inclusivity.

Because art makes us better humans.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference and want to be part of a collaborative, purpose-driven organization where creativity thrives, we’d love to hear from you.

The Opportunity

Reporting to Manager, Dance Production & Operations, the Assistant, Dance Wardrobe & Costumes supports the Dance Wardrobe & Costume Specialist in the creation, maintenance, and organization of all elements of the Dance Wardrobe & Costume Department.

The role will have a minimum of 15 hours per week guaranteed, with flexible days and times. During peak production periods the role may work up to 35 hours per week during pre-production, and up to 80 hours per week during production weeks.

In this role you will

• Assist with preparation for all performances, productions, and events
• Support the distribution and organization of uniforms
• Complete minor sewing, alterations, repairs, and other basic costume maintenance as needed.
• Assist with laundry and general care of costumes
• Coordinate recital costumes from start to finish, including student measurements, coordination costume selections with faculty, placing, tracking, and receiving costume orders, coordinating fittings and alterations

Here is what you bring

• Proficiency in hand and machine sewing, basic tailoring, and quick-fix alterations
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills, organization, and attention to detail
• Background in fashion design, dance/theatre production, or hands-on experience in a dance or theatre wardrobe department

Diversity & Inclusion

Arts Umbrella is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our programming, the audience we engage with, the students we serve as well as the staff we employ. Diversity and inclusion in our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. We actively seek applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with knowledge in diversity and inclusion to help us strengthen our commitment.

Arts Umbrella thanks all applicants for their interest and advises that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.