Costume Studio Technician

Job Description Summary 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