2025 WOW Show: Merchandise Supervisor

The 2025 World of WearableArt Show: Rise takes place from 18 September to 5 October and we are on the lookout for three dynamic Merchandise Supervisors to help lead our front-of-house merchandise operations.

Our programme and merchandise stands are the very start of our guest experience. We want you to be the first point of contact for our wonderful audience, to help create a memorable and lasting customer experience that inspires awe and wonder!

WOW is a large-scale, internationally renowned theatrical production and those working in merchandise areas are an important part of our team. As a Merchandise Supervisor, you'll be at the forefront of creating unforgettable customer experiences and leading a team with energy, precision, and creativity. If that is you, WOW would love to have you join our team in 2025.

What You’ll Do:

Take ownership of a merchandise stand, managing volunteers and frontline operations during each performance.

Lead daily setup and pack down, ensuring everything from presentation to stock control runs smoothly.

Report to the Merchandise Manager with accurate sales tracking and stock management, helping us maximise both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Conduct regular stocktakes, final counts, and oversee end-of-season pack down for storage and web sales.

We’re Looking for Leaders Who:

Bring strong management or supervisory experience, ideally in retail, hospitality, events, or customer service.

Are proactive, organised, and thrive in fast-paced environments.

Know how to motivate and coordinate teams, especially volunteers.

Have a sharp eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.

Enjoy being on their feet and interacting with a wide variety of people.

Additional to your fee, you will receive 2 WOW show tickets; an exclusive cast and crew t-shirt; and you will be part of a unique theatrical experience and have some fun at the same time!

We will provide training in our sales procedures and support as appropriate. This is a full-time position including evenings and weekends.

To register your interest and more information about a Merchandise Supervisor role with WOW in 2025, please send your cover letter and CV to merchandise@worldofwearableart.com.

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Audition FAQ

Do I have to register, or can I just turn up to the audition?

All attendees need to pre-register online by clicking the link provided. The link will be made available early 2026.

What are you looking for in a model/performer?

You need to be Wellington based.
You do not need any previous experience in modelling.
Model/performer minimum age requirement is 15 years.
Minimum height: at this stage there is no minimum height, height requirements will be determined by garment entries selected as finalists to appear in the show; specifics on height will not become available until the second audition in July.
You must be able to commit to ALL rehearsals and shows.
Be confident in front of large groups of people, performing in front of television cameras and photographers.
Able to take instructions from choreographers and directors.
Dance, performing and or modelling experience is an advantage but not essential.

What do I need to bring/wear?

Bring a water bottle, snacks/lunch.
Wear fitted comfortable clothing.
Wear flat shoes and bring high heels if possible.
If you have long hair, it must be pulled back off your face.
Wearing make-up is optional.

Could you give me some information about what may be expected of me at the model/performer audition?

When you arrive, you will be required to check in. You will have your height measured and be given a number to pin onto your top.
The audition will follow the check in process.
All attendees will be taught a short movement routine and will perform this in small groups. Attendees will also be asked to walk / use movement to make their way across the studio floor.
During the audition we will select a smaller group to stay on for the final part of the day.

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If selected as a model/performer, will I be paid?

Yes, this is a paid role.

If selected as a model/performer, how much time am I committing to?

Rehearsals start in early August and continue through until the show opens in mid-September until mid-October 2026. 100% commitment to all rehearsals and shows is absolutely essential.‍
There is a pre-show historic section and six competition sections in the show. Each section is rehearsed on different days of the week, and you will be called in only for the sections you are cast in. Most models/performers are required to rehearse 3-4 evenings and 1-2 weekend days. All Models/performers must be available for all rehearsal days and accommodate changes in the rehearsal schedule.
Rehearsals generally run Monday to Thursday evenings 5:45pm - 10:30pm Saturday and Sunday 10:00am – 6:00pm.

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Is there a dancer, circus artist or musician audition?

More information regarding this will be available later in the year.

Are you required to bring a cv or portfolio?

No.

Are there any costs associated with the audition?

No.

Is there a child audition?

More information regarding this will be available later in the year.

When will I know if I have been selected?

Within two weeks of the May audition we will confirm via email who has been selected to move forward to the next stage.
Stage two of auditions is a call back audition in July. This is by invitation only and consists of past WOW models and people selected in the May Audition.
In the July audition we will select a smaller group to attend the garment fittings in August. It is likely that all models who attend the fittings will be allocated garments, but we cannot guarantee this.

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