Costume Studio Technician

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:

General 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
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
• Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

If hired, specific responsibilities may include some or all of the below depending on the needs of the production:

Stitcher/Crafter

• Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
• Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
• Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
• Ability to 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 based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
• Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
• Ability to 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
• Ability to create patterns
• Ability to 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
• With supervision, 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 that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
• Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
• Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
• Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
• Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations– or have the judgment to call 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 specific laundry needs as assigned
• Ability to 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

• Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
• Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
• Ability to 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

Required Qualifications:

• Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
• 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

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