Theatrical Costume Technician

Job Summary

Constructs, in a structured period of time, any number of costumes from historical period to the present day including imaginary and visionary characters created by the designer. Creates hats, jewelry, armor, shoes, etc., to achieve a complete visual picture for the designers, actors, directors, and the audience. This is a full-time, seasonal position with no work available during the summer months, and includes a possibility of continued employment in future seasons.

Responsibilities

1. Constructs the costumes by stitching together the cut out parts of the pattern using an industrial sewing machine and hand stitching.
2. Prepares and treats fabric by dyeing, painting or stenciling designs on the fabric to create different effects.
3. Constructs foundation garments sometimes using bone and medal to help in creating the correct silhouette for the period.
4. May perform millinery work in creating hats, crowns, or other headgear to coordinate with the costumes.
5. May perform craft work including any number of different tasks such as making armor, repairing shoes, creating jewelry, etc. to coordinate with the costumes. May go through the costume storage area pulling costume pieces that might be used or could be remade to work.
6. Alterations are made to existing costumes to fit the current actor. Often clothing can be purchased for a play and these must also be altered to fit the actor.
7. Many times a costume must look worn and/or dirty. This is done by painting in the stains or the wear, and occasionally breaking down the fabric.
8. Attends fittings to see that a costume fits an actor properly, and if not what needs to be changed or corrected.
9. May perform fine hand sewing to repair antique costumes, change details such as adding trims, buttons, appliques, etc.
10. Presses and spot-clean costumes using iron and cleaning fluid.
11. Assists in cleaning of work space and restocking of supplies in order to keep work area orderly.
12. May assist in the shopping for supplies and inventory needed for a particular production.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of three years of sewing experience using various types of sewing machines and hand work or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a knowledge in textiles, dying, scheduling, and theatrical design; excellent oral and written communications skills; and an ability to work in a detail and deadline-oriented environment required. A commitment to the service excellence concept also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.