Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager

Calvin University•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Costume Designer and Shop Manager is a key member of the Calvin Theatre Company’s creative and production team. This position encompasses designing and constructing costumes for productions, managing the costume shop, and supervising student costuming assistants. The position requires a dynamic combination of artistic creativity, technical expertise in costume construction, and strong organizational and time management skills for shop management and meeting production timelines. The ideal candidate will possess experience in costume design, construction, alterations, and wardrobe management, preferably within a theatrical environment. Experience in millinery, makeup design, and hair/wig design is a plus.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years in theatrical costume design, with costume shop management preferred.
Strong costume design skills, with a portfolio demonstrating previous design work.
Proficiency in costume construction, including but not limited to: sewing, draping, pattern-making, and alterations.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with directors, staff, and rental clients.
Ability to train or instruct student costume shop employees.
Ability to handle confidential information.
Ability to do many tasks at one time, to solve problems, and to manage a variety of variables in situations.
Ability to take action or make recommendations that will affect procedures, processes, and practices involving customers or employees in other departments (with approval).
Ability to exercise independent judgment in setting priorities and organizing work to accomplish results.
Ability to work with sewing and garment machinery.
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.
A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.
Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Experience in millinery, makeup design, and hair/wig design.
A bachelors or masters degree.

Responsibilities

Design costumes for Calvin Theatre Company productions, working closely with directors to capture the artistic vision.
Conduct research on historical, cultural, or thematic elements as necessary, ensuring accurate and creative designs for its productions.
Prepare and present costume sketches and renderings, including fabric swatches and accessories, for approval by the creative team.
Develop and manage costume budgets, sourcing and purchasing fabrics and materials while staying within budget.
Coordinate costume fittings, making alterations and adjustments as needed to ensure fit, comfort, and durability for each performer.
Attend at least one designer run of each production and all dress rehearsals and performances.
Oversee all aspects of the costume shop, including maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace.
Organize, maintain, and track costume stock, tools, equipment, and materials, regularly updating inventory for efficient use and storage.
Hire, train, and supervise costume shop student staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.
Oversee costume production, from pattern-making to garment construction, stitching, and alterations.
Ensure costumes and equipment are properly cleaned, maintained, and repaired as necessary throughout production runs.
Coordinate costume rentals, including pricing, rental agreements, and tracking, ensuring high standards for the condition and quality of rental items.
Serve as the primary point of contact for rental clients, providing assistance and guidance on costume selection and rental policies.
Uphold and enforce safety protocols, especially regarding machinery and materials, within the shop environment.
Supervise CTC students, both student costume shop workers and student volunteers.