Hi, I’m Margarida Parreira, a Wardrobe Operations Leader with 14 years of international experience managing departments for large-scale resident productions. I’m driven by rigorous planning, clear protocols, and practical methods that deliver consistent, high-quality technical output in demanding performance environments. I’ve led wardrobe departments through show creation and long-running productions for Cirque du Soleil, Dragone, and MGM, always balancing artistic vision with durability and budget. I specialize in building the operational infrastructure that supports creative intent: developing procedures, training leaders, and nurturing vendor networks to sustain complex production schedules. I’m passionate about departmental development, from establishing daily workflows to mentoring teams to meet the exacting standards of a live show.

Margarida Parreira

Hi, I’m Margarida Parreira, a Wardrobe Operations Leader with 14 years of international experience managing departments for large-scale resident productions. I’m driven by rigorous planning, clear protocols, and practical methods that deliver consistent, high-quality technical output in demanding performance environments. I’ve led wardrobe departments through show creation and long-running productions for Cirque du Soleil, Dragone, and MGM, always balancing artistic vision with durability and budget. I specialize in building the operational infrastructure that supports creative intent: developing procedures, training leaders, and nurturing vendor networks to sustain complex production schedules. I’m passionate about departmental development, from establishing daily workflows to mentoring teams to meet the exacting standards of a live show.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Margarida Parreira, a Wardrobe Operations Leader with 14 years of international experience managing departments for large-scale resident productions. I’m driven by rigorous planning, clear protocols, and practical methods that deliver consistent, high-quality technical output in demanding performance environments. I’ve led wardrobe departments through show creation and long-running productions for Cirque du Soleil, Dragone, and MGM, always balancing artistic vision with durability and budget.

I specialize in building the operational infrastructure that supports creative intent: developing procedures, training leaders, and nurturing vendor networks to sustain complex production schedules. I’m passionate about departmental development, from establishing daily workflows to mentoring teams to meet the exacting standards of a live show.

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Language

Portuguese
Fluent
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Advanced
Italian
Beginner
French
Beginner

Work Experience

Head of Wardrobe - Creation (Ludo) at Cirque du Soleil
February 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025
Directed the design and installation of the wardrobe workshop in Puerto Vallarta, building the facility from empty space to a fully functional production hub. Recruited and trained a team of 16 staff; established departmental culture, training protocols, and maintenance standards. Translated artistic concepts into stage-ready garments in partnership with creative and production teams, balancing vision, durability, and show longevity. Authored foundational wardrobe handbooks and workflows for daily runs, quick-changes, and costume longevity; aligned with show schedules.
Head of Wardrobe at Cirque du Soleil / Vidanta - Joya
February 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Oversaw full-scope departmental operations for a resident production, managing a team of 10 and maintaining 100% show readiness. Implemented scalable operational protocols, optimized daily maintenance cycles, and localized procurement that reduced reliance on international logistics by 90% and secured regional vendor partnerships to improve lead times. Drove professional growth through targeted technical up-skilling, cultivating a team that takes ownership of their craft and consistently meets rigorous show standards.
Wardrobe Manager at MGM - Entertainment Division
June 1, 2017 - June 1, 2020
Designed the workshop layout and infrastructure for the division, ensuring facilities supported both resident acrobatic shows and touring acts. Built the department from the ground up, overseeing the recruitment, hiring, and technical training of 14 staff to support a high-volume entertainment program. Managed the commissioning of all workshop machinery and technical inventory, ensuring assets met international safety and production standards. Established foundational operational frameworks, standardized maintenance protocols, and workflow processes, and ensured wardrobe operations were fully synchronized with the broader technical infrastructure.
Assistant Head of Wardrobe at Dragone - The House of Dancing Water
May 1, 2016 - May 1, 2017
Led complex daily wardrobe operations for a 90+ artist cast, overseeing inventory maintenance, high-frequency costume rotation, and material handling in an aquatic environment. Oversaw departmental operational spending, balancing rigorous technical maintenance requirements with cost-effective resource management for a team of 32. Standardized departmental organization to clarify workflows, define roles, and assign technical responsibility. Maintained rigorous show quality standards throughout demanding resident performance schedules, ensuring strict alignment with production goals and safety compliance.
Head of Wardrobe at Dragone - TABOO
August 1, 2015 - March 1, 2016
Directed daily wardrobe operations for a team of 6, ensuring aesthetic and technical continuity for all production assets. Partnered with Artistic Directors to translate artistic concepts into stage-ready costume assets, ensuring consistent aesthetic and technical execution. Ensured strict adherence to safety and maintenance protocols across all production assets.
Wardrobe Technician at Dragone - TABOO
March 1, 2013 - August 1, 2015
Specialized in advanced garment construction, patterning, and maintenance within a resident show environment. Participated in departmental quality control and technical asset management.
Costume & Production Assistant at Casa de Portugal
June 1, 2012 - July 1, 2013
Executed costume construction and maintenance for diverse performing arts programming. Supported production leadership in rehearsal cycles, facilitating artistic requirements for a rotating cast.

Education

Industrial Design Degree at ESAD - College of Art and Design, Portugal
January 11, 2030 - June 25, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment