Costume Shop Manager

Costume Shop Manager

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department
Theatre

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre and Dance at MSU Denver is seeking a Costume Shop Manager. The Costume Shop Manager is responsible for the daily operation, safety, organization, and management of the costume shop. These duties include completion of costume elements within production deadlines; supervision of all necessary production purchases; communication with the designer, director, stage management regarding costume details, fittings, cleaning, and maintenance/troubleshooting; supervision of strike; adherence to provided budgets; and following departmental guidelines on fittings and measurements.

With the guidance of the Production Manager, the Costume Shop Manager is responsible for the supervision and safety of student, volunteer and paid costume shop staff, initiating student employee paperwork, time entry approval, supervision and termination of student employees within the university process. The manager is responsible for keeping the shop supplied with all appropriate materials and goods and maintaining general organization of the work and storage spaces. Further, the manager works with the Theatre Department Costume Faculty to develop and implement training for students; and utilizes summer months to complete costume stock and equipment inventories and equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities

60% of position

• Oversee and participate in the completion of all costume elements for departmental productions to the Costume Designer and Director's satisfaction and within production deadlines.
• Supervise the purchase of all necessary materials and supplies needed for each production.
• Coordinate all costume rental orders.
• Pattern, drape, cut and, construct costume pieces and accessories as needed to complete all costume elements by the production deadlines while supervising students and other shop staff.
• Act as a liaison with student stage management for measurements, costume fittings, and production notes.
• Manage and attend fittings as necessary for troubleshooting and production continuity.
• Train and support wardrobe crew on cleaning and maintenance of costumes during the run of the production; attend production meetings and dress rehearsals as requested by Costume Designer, Costume Director and/or Production Manager.
• Oversee costume strike after each production and ensure that all rental and stock costumes receive proper cleaning and are returned or restocked.
• Train student wardrobe head and crew to ensure the smooth transition of the costumes from costume shop to dress rehearsal and performance.
• Ensure adherence to the production and general costume shop budgets in a timely fashion.
• Track all production expenditures.
• Supervise, instruct, and insure a safe working environment for all students, volunteer and paid staff workers in the costume/wardrobe areas.
• Along with Costume Faculty, develop and implement training procedures in basic costume construction skills for all work-study, practicum, and lab students.

30% of position

• Manage shop supplies, including stock fabrics, notions, and materials.
• Maintain shop safety, shop activities, shop equipment, production equipment, and storage areas, including repairs, maintenance, and replacements.
• Maintain and improve organization of storage for costumes, accessories, wigs, and other supplies.
• Review and update equipment inventories.
• Assist in coordinating costume shop use with two other institutions.

10% Other duties assigned

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of constituents
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite, Email, Costume Bible) and the ability to learn new systems, software, and tools

Required Qualifications

• BFA in Theatre, Costume Emphasis or a BA in Theatre or related degree
• Experience in a professional costume shop setting
• Experience in a theatrical patterning, cutting, construction, and costume crafts required
• Experience with costume materials including but not limited to fabrics, notions, and craft supplies
• Experience with and maintenance of machinery used in the costume industry including but not limited to industrial and domestic single and multi-needle sewing machines, steam irons, and cutting tools
• Experience with costume shop safety standards and the implementation of standards

Special Conditions of Employment

• Ability to perform essential physical job functions
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to lift heavy costumes and fabrics up to 30 lbs
• Ability to work on ladders up to six feet high
• Ability to stand at the cutting table for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• MA or MFA, Costumes or related area
• Costume shop management experiences
• 1+ years in Theatrical and/or Dance University and College experience preferred
• Knowledge of wigs and makeup
• Experience working with a diverse student population
• Working knowledge of costume history

Salary for Announcement

The anticipated hiring range is $52,934 - $59,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Schedule Information

Full-time, 40 hours per week
Exempt
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Evenings and Weekend Work: Occasionally as needed
Schedule: This is a 100% on campus position
Travel: rarely

Instructions to Apply

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

Resume
Cover letter describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist/s. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former).

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received by April 22, 2026.