Costume Shop Manager

Position Title: Costume Shop Manager

Reports to: Technical Director

Supervises: Occasional volunteers Position Summary:

This is a professional position requiring experience and strong knowledge of costuming, sewing, building techniques, general “period” costuming, and unique costume design. Manager must have working knowledge of theater production operations and procedures, supervisory practices and principles. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work with a diverse array of costume designers, seamstresses and volunteers is vital. The position requires patience, inventiveness and creativity related to each production and special event. Must have good vision, hearing and speak fluent English. Qualifications & Skills:

• High School diploma and 5 years of experience in costuming, sewing or closely related field.

• Must have working knowledge of theater production operations, procedures, and supervisory practices.

• Strengths may include practices and techniques of costume construction, various eras, and appearance of vintage clothing.

• Should have costume building skills in patternmaking, cutting, draping, sewing, dying and fitting costumes.

• Clear understanding of related machinery, sewing machines, stitchery and washing machines.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, traverse stairs and ladders, and have a valid driver license.

• Ability to complete multiple projects quickly and efficiently.

• Diplomatic, tactful, and customer-focused, with a professional manner and ability to interact positively with staff, patrons, volunteers and clients.

• Team-player, flexible, adaptable, personable, and able to work well with others.

• Take direction and fulfill responsibilities under stress or pressure, with minimal direct supervision.

• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, including ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary. Hours:

Minimum of 40 hours per week (Generally, 9:00 am-5:00 pm daily. Some nights, some weekends. Two (2) days off per week may vary and may not necessarily be back-to-back depending on the theater’s technical schedule.)

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage costume inventory including laundering, dry cleaning and repairing clothing and accessories, hats, shoes and wigs and putting them away in an organized/categorized fashion. Reduce inventory as necessary.

• Manage donations by sorting through what is going to be kept and donating the rest.

• Manage rentals/borrows.

• Manage costume department budgets.

• Maintain costume shop machines and equipment.

• Attend production and post-mortem meetings and opening nights as assigned.

• Provide occasional assistance with costume design and provide costumes for special events.

• Work with contracted directors and costume designers to ensure timely completion of the show.

• Maintain a good relationship with neighboring theatres so that we can borrow from them.

• Manage and schedule costume volunteers to help with building the show, styling wigs, pulling and replacing stock, cleaning up, etc.