First Hand - Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in clothing construction techniques for the position of First Hand. This is a Part-time Regular (PTR) position that is benefits eligible and will be scheduled for 24 to 32 weeks of work of 40-hours each season and is part of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13, AFL-CIO. This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about costume construction techniques, skilled in a variety of sewing techniques including use of domestic and industrial sewing machines using with a wide range of fabrics, and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization. Applicants for this role should have creative problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to adjusting priorities, and time management skills.



CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQIAP+ community, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.



ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION



Led by Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Managing Director Ryan French, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.



DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA



Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene. The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres. Minnesota year in and year outranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy.



The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life. It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners. The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America.



DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT



CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members. CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community. We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.  CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.



POSITION SUMMARY



The First Hand assists the Cutter/Draper in completion of costumes as assigned. They are responsible for construction and decorative trimmings on men’s, women’s, and children’s period, contemporary and fantasy costumes. This position assists in determination of best construction techniques and supporting materials based on renderings and supporting research. They function as part of a team to problem solve on specialty pieces.



This position reports to the Costume Director.





ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS



Costume Construction



Cut and construct costume pieces as assigned



Assist in determination of best techniques for construction



Construct pieces start to finish with minimal supervision



Assist as needed in costume fittings



Assist in supervision of and instructions to stitchers as needed



Alter purchased or stock costume pieces as fitted



Assist in prep work for productions as assigned including, but not limited to, set up of show racks, pre-washing and pressing fabrics



Maintain and contribute to tidy and organized workspaces, including supply areas, fitting rooms, fabric storage areas, sewing area and work tables



Responsible for pacing assigned project work to meet all fitting and final deadlines



Assist in tracking inventory of shop supplies and request replacement supplies or special need supplies in a timely fashion and barcode completed costumes for inventory purposes



Participate in general department activities including, but not limited to: warehouse runs to pull and restock costumes, organize and inventory shop supplies, clean and restock fitting rooms and work areas



Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion



Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist workplace practices and policies



Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees



Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community





POSITION QUALIFICATIONS



Knowledge, Skills and Abilities



Adaptability - Ability to adapt to rapid pace in a changing workplace



Collaboration - Ability to work with others and be a positive team member contributing to a positive culture



Communication – Ability to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and to understand what others are expressing



Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea



Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems



Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and practices for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction



Decision Making – Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures



Detail-oriented – Thoroughness and accuracy when completing a task through concern for all areas involved, no matter how small



Inclusive – Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized



Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal



Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task



Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion



Time Management – Ability to manage the available time to organize and complete work efficiently and effectively within given deadlines





Experience



Demonstrated expertise in all basic clothing construction techniques



Demonstrated expertise in sewing techniques – hand and industrial and domestic sewing machines



Demonstrated skill with both domestic and industrial sewing machines



Demonstrated knowledge of working in a wide range of materials, including fabrics, plastics, leather and foam





Other Requirements



Color vison



Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators with organic vapor cartridge for use with some adhesives or pains and safety goggles



A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment



A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment





COMPENSATION



The minimum starting wage for this position is $24.27. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.



TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to Andrew Robertson, Director of Human Resources at productionjobs@childrenstheatre.org. Please include the name of the position(s) to which you are applying in the subject line of the email.
Salary: Minimum starting wage is $24.27 per hour