Costume Studio Technician

Temporary, non-exempt position with part-time hours of 20-29 per week. Pay range: $21.50 - $25.00 per hour.

About the Role

Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).

Responsibilities

• Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
• Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
• Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems and possible solutions concerning equipment and/or workflow
• Work effectively in a team-based environment and independently with minimal direction
• Follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

Stitcher/Crafter

• Alter costumes according to fitting notes
• Repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
• Support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
• Construct costumes from commercial patterns
• Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
• Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings
• Dye fabric (natural and synthetic), including ability to color match
• Airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant-garde garments as needed

Cutter/Draper

• Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
• Create patterns
• Estimate yardage from created patterns

Costume Liaison

• Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
• Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
• Organize costumes prior to fittings—track and receive purchases and label any rental items
• Support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes, and taking complete, concise alteration notes
• Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure supplies are restored and costumes are appropriately placed
• Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
• Communicate with Costume Studio regarding missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings
• Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
• Support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations, or calling in advanced support as needed
• Quality control of completed alteration notes

Wardrobe

• Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair, and makeup
• Load, unload, and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
• Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
• Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
• Create a plan for laundry and wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute laundry needs as assigned
• Use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
• Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties

Hair/Makeup

• Apply theatrical stage makeup
• Execute hairstyles as designed
• Apply and maintain wigs
• Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
• Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
• Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties

Requirements

• Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
• Ability to work well with students
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
• Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
• Wear closed-toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
• Must wear “stage blacks” during all dress rehearsals and performances
• Currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
• Offer of employment contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal background screening

Desired Qualifications

• Access to a computer
• Working knowledge of Google Drive
• Costume crafting skills
• Theatrical makeup skills
• Wig styling and application
• Ability to use industrial and leather sewing machines, an overlock machine, hemming machine, dye vat
• Cutting and draping skills