Who We Are

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers. The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply

Creative work environment Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events Employee discounts on merchandise and event space Being a part of the magic of live theatre! This Craftsperson will serve as a member of the Boots & Shoes team and will assist with workloads across multiple productions to execute the shows design needs. This Craftsperson will work directly with a Senior Craftsperson on the Boots & Shoes team and will receive training and mentorship on various techniques to complete Boots & Shoes tasks such as: galoshing, distressing and breakdown, dyeing and painting on footwear and leather goods, belts, leather accessories, leather armour, sole and heel repairs and alterations, hardware application, as well as decoration and decorative detailing on boots and shoes. This Craftsperson may attend dress rehearsals and other production events to assist in executing notes. Responsibilities also include maintaining the Boots & Shoes workroom and equipment, managing supply orders, and upholding production standards. This is a unionized position reporting to the Costume Director and represented by IATSE Local 357.

Responsibilities

Assisting with the preparation of all types of footwear and leather accessories for the stage. Perform tasks such as; galoshing, distressing and breakdown, dyeing and painting on footwear and leather goods, belts, leather accessories, leather armour, sole and heel repairs and alterations, hardware application, as well as decoration and decorative detailing on boots and shoes Ensure the proper use of chemicals is adhered to Understand that some projects will require the use of repetitive handwork Ability to work under time constraints and meet pre-determined timelines and budgeted hours.

Must be able to work independently in a fast paced environment

Assist with moving and sorting of boots and shoes bins and racks Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure. Foster a caring and inclusive work environment consistent with all Stratford Festival policies on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) 1 to 2 years at an equivalent responsibility level and proven experience in working in the theatre or film industry in a related area. Proven knowledge of footwear construction, leatherworking, galoshing techniques, colour matching, and demonstrated proficiency working with a variety of materials, finishes, dyes, paints, adhesives, and repair products, an asset. An understanding of the costume design and construction processes and a working knowledge of all related aspects of theatre production. Ability to work productively under pressure and successfully manage the demands of multiple productions simultaneously. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work within a team professionally and effectively. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task while working in a busy environment. Ability to stand for long periods, work in hot and humid environments, lift up to 50lbs and work overtime, as required. Experience working with iPads and Microsoft Office Suite is an asset.

Behavioural Competencies

Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks.

Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information

Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.

Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance

Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity Diplomacy: show discretion and tact in dealing with a variety of stakeholders. This seasonal full-time unionized posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin February 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.

Job Type: Seasonal Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $27.80 - $35.63 Application Deadline: August 30, 2026.

Shared Values

Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives. Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization. Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive Who Should Apply: We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know. No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you! If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.