Costume Shop Manager

Job Details

Costume Shop Manager
Metropolitan State University of Denver

Department
Theatre

About the University

MSU Denver enrolls over 16,000 students, where nearly 60% are first generation and over 55% are students of color. Located in downtown Denver, we are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado. As the third largest institution of higher education in Colorado and the only institution with an open access mission, MSU Denver is a model university for today's students. The University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Theatre Program within the Department of Theatre and Dance prioritizes values that reflect those of the university at large including a shared commitment to community, accessibility, diversity, respect and excellence. We are a collaborative team that includes ten full-time faculty, five full-time staff, and a talented group of part-time affiliates and guest artists. Our department offers both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Music Theatre and in Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Theatre Program is Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Our Program champions the belief that Theatre is Equipment for Living.

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.

MSU Denver aspires to create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In the Department of Theatre and Dance, we greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry, dialogue, and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

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

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

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

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our department, our mission, and the University.

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.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled