Join Bangarra and play an important role in our production and creative teams, realising the costuming for our iconic productions.

Join Bangarra and play an important role in our production and creative teams, realising the costuming for our iconic productions working with some of the best Australian designers.

What Working with Bangarra Offers

• An exciting role working for Australia’s leading, iconic Indigenous performing arts company and sharing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture with our donors
• Work at the newly expanded, vibrant Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
• A collaborative and innovative company culture where your contributions are highly valued
• Growth and development opportunities including: free access to LinkedIn Learning, Cultural Awareness building, within a workplace that fosters personal wellbeing

Company Profile

We are Bangarra Dance Theatre. We are a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers. We are storytellers. We are fire makers.

As one of Australia’s leading Indigenous performing arts companies, we share our culture with Communities and audiences across Australia and the world.

We have been making our indelible marks on the Australian and international theatre landscape for over three decades. We are at home performing on Country, on Australia’s most iconic stages and running education workshops and programs to nurture the next generation of storytellers.

We are for the hundreds of First Nations Communities across Australia – and for anyone who wants to be part of our story.

Position Description

The Head of Wardrobe reports directly to the Director, Technical and Production, who in turn reports to the Executive Director.

The Head of Wardrobe is responsible for managing all costume requirements relating to the presentation and maintenance of Bangarra Dance Theatre performances throughout Australia and internationally. Alongside day-to-day management of the build timelines, budget management and leading additional casual costume staff as required.

Central to this position is the role of Costume Supervisor during the build of new shows, working with the Costume Designer to manage the making, fitting, dyeing and art finishing of costumes.  

Document and organise costumes for the smooth running of all Bangarra dress rehearsals and performances in addition to the maintenance and safe storage of costumes while on tour.

The position will suit an experienced Costume Maker with experience in stretch material and similar, and a specific connection or interest in Indigenous Culture, dance works and costumes.

They must have experience in touring, including long periods away from home, and flexible non-standard hours on and off tour.

The successful candidate will be a respectful and clear communicator, with a passion for collaboration and effective people-oriented working style. They will enable the artistic process to evolve, resiliently managing last minute changes or add ins, while also being able to manage budget and timeline constraints with tact.

Areas of Responsibility

1.     Performance: Tours / Repertoire / New Works

• Work closely with the Costume Designer to interpret the designs, providing advice on fabric selection and construction methods, considering the needs of the designer, performer and production.
• Attending production meetings, design presentations and other meetings relating to Bangarra productions, events and functions.
• Responsible for booking and overseeing casual costume makers for costume builds and maintenance when required.
• Assisting performers during Bangarra performances with dressing, quick changes and setting costumes as detailed in the show running sheet.
• Ensure maintenance, daily cleaning and laundering of costumes associated with Bangarra productions.
• Fitting and adjusting or re-making existing Bangarra repertoire costumes as required.
• Formation of costume inventories & running sheets associated with Bangarra productions.
• Sourcing and/or collecting of costumes needed for Bangarra rehearsals and performances.

2.     Day to Day Management

• Take accurate measurements and conduct fittings accordingly advising on fit and proportions, documenting and maintaining records of dancer measurements and preferences and costume requirements.
• Communicate between wardrobe and all other departments, including for non-performance activities such as media calls and photoshoots.
• Maintain the Costume Archive and ensure numbers are up to date and that shared Items between productions are recorded accurately
• Manage the safe storage and maintenance of Bangarra costumes & costume related equipment.

3.     Other

• Actively participate in staff training and development
• Align with company values and policies
• Effectively represent the company and department when during events such as open rehearsal, photoshoots and engagement with partners & donors.

Candidates from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background are warmly encouraged to apply. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact the people below.

Essential selection criteria:

• Hold tertiary qualifications in Costume Construction or an equivalent field.
• Have experience in cutting stretch material, leotards, pants, draping, and contemporary garments.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to interpret designs and possess strong knowledge of fabrics.
• Demonstrate an ability to manage and lead a small team of casuals on larger build periods.
• Ability to take initiative and work within a small team.
• Touring experience is essential, and a key part of the role.
• Be a clear and confident communicator with a sharp eye for detail.
• Australian Drivers Licence
• Are from or have awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

Please contact John Colvin, Director Technical and Production, for further information john@bangarra.com.au

To apply, please send the following:

• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria listed above
• A full resume, including details of at least 2 referees (referees will not be contacted before the final shortlisting stage)

To Atu Joshi, HR Manager, at jobs@bangarra.comau

By Monday 30 June 2025 at 9am (unless the role is filled earlier).

Applicants must have the permanent right to live and work in Australia. Please indicate any restrictions on permanent rights in your application.