Costume Designer

Saginaw Valley State University • Lexington, MA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University invites applications for an administrative professional position (non-tenure track) Costume Designer and also serves as Costume Shop Manager starting August 2026. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence at the undergraduate level, ability to work with a broad spectrum of students, and a willingness to engage in departmental and University service including recruitment and retention initiatives and mentoring Theatre students.

Requirements

• Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design, Theatre Design, or closely related field.
• Experience in costume design, costume construction, and shop management, including budgeting and safety compliance.
• Experience in training and supervising student workers and costume shop assistants.
• Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with digital rendering tools and costume design software, and with digital technologies for teaching and assessment.
• Relevant teaching experience at the university level.

Responsibilities

• Create original, imaginative, and appropriate costume designs that align with the vision of the production and the characters' personalities.
• Collaborate with directors and designers to ensure a cohesive visual presentation.
• Conduct thorough research on historical periods, cultural styles, and specific character backgrounds to ensure accuracy and authenticity in costume design.
• Interpret scripts to understand the characters' motivations, emotions, and relationships, translating these elements into costume choices.
• Develop mood boards, sketches, and other visual aids to communicate costume concepts to the production team.
• Present and discuss design concepts in meetings to receive feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Choose appropriate fabrics, colors, textures, and materials for costumes, considering factors such as comfort, functionality, and visual impact.
• Collaborate with costume shop staff to source and acquire necessary materials.
• Work closely with the costume shop team to ensure the successful execution of costume designs.
• Provide guidance, instructions, and support throughout the costume construction process.
• Using the SVSU Department of Theatre fitting protocols to organize and oversee costume fittings with actors, making any necessary alterations or adjustments to achieve the best fit and overall appearance.
• Manage and follow the costume design budget, making cost-effective choices while maintaining design integrity.
• Keep accurate records of expenses related to costume design and construction.
• Follow receipt recording and reporting protocol as outlined by theatre administrative secretary.
• Maintain clear and open communication with the production team, including directors, stage managers, and actors.
• Collaborate on scheduling, fittings, and any design updates.
• Participate in scheduled production meetings.
• Through coordination with directing team, attend select rehearsals in service of executing the costume design. Rehearsals could include designer run through, crew view, costume parade, fitting rehearsals, and dress rehearsals.
• Be adaptable and flexible in response to changes in production requirements, actor preferences, and unforeseen challenges.
• Find creative solutions to any costume-related issues that arise during rehearsals or performances.
• Lead and maintain the SVSU Department of Theatre Costume Shop and costume storage.
• Responsibilities include supervising rentals for SVSU productions and coordinating costume package rentals from SVSU costume stock.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to costume design students, interns, or assistants, if applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Excellent retirement package and employee benefits.
• Professional development to support and grow employees.
• Prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees through programs and gym memberships.
• Rewarding and recognizing employees' achievements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level