First Hand - Gulfshore Playhouse

GULFSHORE PLAYHOUSE SEEKS FIRST HAND



Gulfshore Playhouse, a mission-driven, professional theatre company located in Naples, Florida,

is seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented and organized individual to serve as First Hand.



Gulfshore Playhouse offers a diverse season of straight plays and musicals ranging from

venerated classics and Broadway hits to contemporary works and world premieres. Gulfshore

Playhouse is passionately committed to producing high-quality, professional theatre which

exceeds the expectations of the cultured residents and visitors of Naples, FL, many of whom are

regular theatre patrons in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.



The Gulfshore Playhouse opened the Baker Theatre and Education Center, a state-of-the-art

facility, featuring a 350-seat mainstage with a Broadway-sized stage, a 125-seat flexible space,

rehearsal studios, classrooms, and rental space in October of 2024. In 2022, Gulfshore

Playhouse became nationally recognized as the 77th member of the League of Resident Theatres

(LORT). This is an extraordinarily exciting time for the Gulfshore Playhouse, which is

experiencing unprecedented growth in a collaborative and creative community.



Status: Full-time, year-round position, Overtime Exempt

Start Date: July 1, 2025





Reporting to the Costume Shop Manager, the First Hand assists the Draper in the construction of

new costumes and the preparation of stock/rental costumes for use in a production. The first hand

advises the costume technicians in the sewing and construction of costumes and assist in any

related duties as needed.





The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise

good judgment in a variety of situations, strong written and verbal communication,

organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of the team. Gulfshore Playhouse values hard

work, kindness, generosity, passion, and grace-under-pressure. Employee will be expected to

work extended hours on occasion when necessary to meet goals. Some weekend and evening

hours are required including attendance at performances, special events, and/or meetings that

may happen outside normal scheduled hours.



Skills:

● Knowledge and expertise in costume techniques and materials.

● Knowledge in hand sewing, machine sewing, basic draping.

● Ability to prioritize and self-start tasks.

● Ability to work with a team and skillfully delegate work.

● Creative problem-solving

● Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing

● Ability to manage time and productivity effectively

● Ability to multitask and achieve tight deadlines



Duties:

● Prepare work for technicians.

● Assist Draper in fittings, cutting, pattern making, stitching, and alterations.

● Assist in repair and maintenance of costumes.

● Complete hand and finish work as assigned.

● Assist Draper to determine best construction techniques.

● Maintain a clean and safe work environment.

● Read all reports and act on any notes

● Provide assistance in other departments as needed.

● Adhere to all safety protocols at all times

● Provide support for special events

● Any other duties as assigned



Qualifications:

● Minimum 3 years’ experience in theatrical costume construction. This includes academic

and professional experience.

● BFA or equivalent work experience

● Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds of equipment

● Ability to work in dark spaces

● Ability to stand for long periods of time depending on assignment

● Ability to work in and with proper personal protective equipment

● Ability to safely operate shop equipment and tools



Our Charter: https://www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org/charter/



Salary range: $41,000 – $43,000 annually DOE



Benefits: Gulfshore Playhouse offers benefits that increase along with tenure, including health,

dental, and vision insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan and paid vacation and sick leave.



Gulfshore Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse staff; we

strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds to apply.



Please send a cover letter, resume, and references attached as one pdf to

jobs@gulfshoreplayhouse.org




Salary: $41,000 – $43,000 annually DOE