Costume Shop Coordinator

Job Summary

The Department of Theatre at the University of Utah—an active R1 institution with a rigorous annual production schedule of 5-6 shows—seeks a highly organized, collaborative, and hands-on Costume Shop Coordinator. This position plays a vital role in supporting the artistic and educational mission of the department by mentoring students, managing costume production processes, and ensuring the successful execution of all costume-related aspects of departmental productions.

This position is integral to the success of the Department of Theatre's production program and educational mission. The Costume Shop Coordinator & Production Support Specialist serves as both a skilled practitioner and dedicated mentor, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience while maintaining high production standards.

Responsibilities

Production & Design Support

• Read and analyze scripts for all departmental productions to anticipate costume needs and challenges.
• Collaborate closely with student designers to support show organization, including instruction in garment measurement, sizing, and fit evaluation.
• Attend all costume fittings and maintain detailed fitting notes for designers and shop staff.
• Participate in photo calls, assisting designers with dressing room organization and execution.
• Attend all first and second dress rehearsals, with additional attendance at third dress rehearsals for complex productions.

Student Mentorship & Training

• Mentor student stage managers in effective communication and collaboration with the costume shop.
• Guide student designers through the full costume production process, providing instruction in practical skills and professional standards.
• Train wardrobe crews for each production, ensuring preparedness for rehearsal and performance demands.

Costume Shop Operations

• Build, alter, and repair costumes in support of production needs.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of costume shop personnel on departmental projects.
• Ensure all costume notes, builds, and deadlines are met for key milestones such as photo call and dress rehearsals.

Budgeting & Purchasing

• Manage costume budgets for all productions, maintaining accurate financial records.
• Source costume materials and garments through both online and in-person shopping.
• Accompany students on local shopping trips and execute all purchases, as students do not have direct access to departmental funds.
• Process returns and maintain accurate transaction records using Concur or similar financial systems.

Inventory, Rentals & Logistics

• Coordinate costume pulls from local theatres and external partners, including transporting students to off-site locations as needed.
• Organize and maintain costume inventory, including borrowed items.
• Manage laundry and maintenance of costumes during show runs and oversee post-show strike and cleaning.

Technical & Production Support

• Organize, repair, and/or build mic packs for productions requiring them.
• Ensure all costume elements are performance-ready and meet production standards.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, or related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); four years professional costume design experience; and training in textiles, theatrical cutting and draping, dying, scheduling, personnel management, budgetary supervision, and theatrical design required. Excellent oral and written communication skills; supervisory and training skills; the ability to work in a detail- and deadline-oriented environment; and a commitment to service excellence also required. A Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design is preferred.