Costume Designer, Long Term Substitute (Oct 2026-June 2027)

Buckingham Browne Nichols School•Cambridge, MA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is seeking a part-time (75%), temporary Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager from October 2026 through mid June 2027. This individual will be a collaborative and creative partner within the theater production team, contributing artistic expertise, technical skill in building/procuring new wardrobe pieces and altering existing stock, and a genuine passion for storytelling. This position also carries a mentorship dimension, supporting student build and run crews from novice to skilled in developing their own skills and appreciation for the craft. All activities aim to develop students’ critical thinking, and the Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager will cultivate a workroom community inspired by BB&N’s core values of inquiry, integrity, belonging, and kindness–where all students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Work hours are split between an afterschool program mentoring students three days a week for 1.5 hours per day and approximately 25 hours of individual work during the day in a fully outfitted and dedicated costume shop on campus with a flexible schedule. Weekend hours will be required during production weeks. Additional responsibilities will vary according to current program needs and new initiatives to be determined by the Theater Director/Campus Director.

Requirements

Experience working with students
Costume design experience
Enthusiasm for mentoring students
Formal training or equivalent professional experience in costume design, fashion design, theatrical design, or a closely related field
Demonstrated experience designing costumes for theatrical productions across a range of historical periods, styles, and genres
Strong technical sewing and garment construction skills for theatrical applications, including pattern reading and creation, alteration, hand sewing, and machine sewing.
Ability to teach students and support a costume build and run crew of 6 to 8 with skill levels ranging from novice to experienced.
Ability to adapt an existing loose design concept and apply it to all aspects of costuming.
Ability to manage a costume budget responsibly and source costume elements creatively and cost-effectively.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work effectively with directors, fellow designers, student performers, and school staff.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required by the production schedule, including rehearsals, performances, and strike.
Strong collaboration, organizational, and communication skills.
Possess a passion for art and teaching that contributes to a dynamic and engaging classroom experience for students.
Work effectively with a diverse group of people, including students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Thrive as part of a collaborative team of colleagues within the Arts Department and with teachers in other disciplines.
Demonstrate dedication to supporting adolescent growth and development.
Value advancing students’ knowledge and affirmation of themselves and others.
Integrate our School’s mission, values, and DEIG commitments into their teaching practices.
Commit to working in and fostering an inclusive community by advancing the efforts of anti-racism and equity in their classes and the broader community.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required.
School or educational theater experience a plus.
Familiarity with makeup design and application as it relates to character and theatrical production is preferred.

Responsibilities

Mentor student costume build and run crews throughout the production process, modeling professionalism, creativity, and a collaborative approach to theatrical design and production.
Collaborate closely with the Theater Director and production team to ensure costume designs are fully integrated with the overall artistic vision, aesthetic, and technical requirements of each production.
Build, sew, source, and alter all costume elements within the approved production budget, applying strong sewing and construction skills to produce pieces that suit the director’s vision and are practical for student performers.
Plan and supervise all costume fittings, ensuring that each performer's costume is properly fitted and performance-ready prior to dress rehearsals; complete all necessary alterations in a timely manner.
Attend all dress rehearsals and performances to manage costume operations, support performers with costume changes, and address any costume-related needs that arise during the run of the show.
Lead the costume strike at the conclusion of the production, cleaning and laundering of pieces, supervising students in the organized return, storage, or disposal of all costume elements, and ensuring the costume shop is left in good order.
Participate in all required production meetings and communicate clearly and proactively with the Director, production team, and school staff throughout the production process.
Perform other related duties as assigned.