Costume Crafts Artisan

CHILDRENS THEATRE COMPANY•Minneapolis, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in millinery, mask making and basic shoe repair for the position of Costume Crafts. This is a benefits eligible position that is guaranteed a minimum of 40 weeks of full-time work 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 accessory creation, skilled in a variety of sewing techniques and devices and using with a wide range of materials including fabrics, plastics, leather and foam, 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. 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. 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. 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. The Costume Crafts position is responsible for producing all costume accessories as designed including, but not limited to: hats, jewelry, masks, novelty footwear and shoe modification, gloves, belts, purses, and boot tops. This position patterns for men’s, women’s and children’s contemporary and period or fantasy pieces. This position reports to the Costume Director.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in sewing techniques – hand and machine
Demonstrated skill with both domestic and industrial sewing machines
Demonstrated skill and knowledge in millinery, mask making, and basic shoe repair
Demonstrated knowledge of working in a wide range of materials, including fabrics, plastics, leather and foam
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
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

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated knowledge of the use of fiber reactive and union dyes preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Interpret designer rendering and supporting research to generate patterns and samples for costume accessories using draping, drafting or flat pattern techniques as appropriate for design
Interpret sketches and adjust fit and proportion for individual actor
In consultation with Costume Designer and Costume Director, determine best construction methods to realize design; make recommendations on fabrics, understructures and other materials as needed to meet design specifications
Construct mockups for fittings; fit mockups on actor; make changes to patterns and adapt as needed for best fit
Construct final pieces based on fitting information
Coordinate with drapers on shared fabrics, attached head gear and other shared work as needed
Coordinate work with Head of Wigs, Hair and Makeup on headgear with attached hair or hair ornaments
Coordinate construction schedule with Dyer/Painter for any fabric modification needs
In consultation with Costume Director and Drapers, assist in determination of fitting schedule and pace all work to meet fitting and final deadlines for all project pieces
Communicate any special care, handling or storage needs on specialty pieces to wardrobe staff
Maintain supply of basic craft supplies; request replacement stock as needed; compile specialty item needs on show-by-show basis
Pace work on all assigned projects to meet fitting and final deadline
Construct all assigned accessory pieces
Participate in general department work, including, but not limited to cleaning and organizing work space, restocking supplies, assist in pulling and restocking of costume accessories
Collaborate with all staff in 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