Costume Manager

Columbia College Chicago•Chicago, IL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Columbia College Chicago is searching for a Costume Manager to oversee the realization of costume designs and costume operations for over 40 productions annually. This role involves the safe and efficient operation of the costume shop, equipment, and stock, and leading teams of student designers, practicum students, and employees through costume builds, production runs, and strikes. The Costume Manager is a skilled theater professional with extensive knowledge in all aspects of costume construction and operation, adept at navigating a complex and ambitious work and learning environment. This is an in-person role with limited flexible work arrangements possible, subject to departmental needs and supervisory approval.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in costume construction or design
Minimum of five years of professional work experience in theatre or academic theatre
Thorough knowledge of costume technologies including draping, sewing, dyeing, quick change rigging techniques, and costume crafts
Knowledge of safe operating procedures for costume shop equipment, dye processes, adhesives, and theatrical hair and makeup materials
Ability to read and interpret costume plots, vision boards, and renderings to provide accurate budget, labor, and timeline estimates
Working knowledge of PC based productivity software, as well as functional familiarity with industry standard theatrical software and able to learn other software as needed
Prior supervisory experience of a team in a dynamic environment
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and to navigate shifting and competing priorities with patience and diplomacy
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various groups
Creative problem-solving skills and ability to research new techniques and materials
Ability to lift and move costume stock and equipment up to 35 pounds
Ability to work in a costume shop environment involving prolonged standing, bending, climbing ladders, and repetitive hand movements
Ability to work periodic nights and Saturdays

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in an academic environment preferred
Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
Working knowledge of wigs, hair styling, wig maintenance, and theatrical makeup techniques preferred
Experience advising, and training students preferred

Responsibilities

Review and interpret costume plots, vision boards, and renderings to assess financial and practical feasibility of costume, hair, and designs.
Develop budget estimates and build schedules based on preliminary designs and provide suggestions for adjustments.
Collaborate with Designers and Directors to determine appropriate materials and construction methods that support artistic goals while ensuring performer safety and production feasibility.
Develop and maintain costume production calendars and deadlines in coordination with the Production Manager and production teams.
Attend and participate in design and production meetings.
Lead costume shop meetings.
Supervise actor measurements and fittings sessions.
Mentor and oversee students in the pulling, construction, and alteration of costumes.
Coordinate purchases, rentals, and returns of costume, hair, and make-up materials.
Ensure costume, hair, and make-up crew heads are trained on prep, dressing, quick rigging, and maintenance of costume, hair, and make-up elements for each production.
Mentor and oversee students in the creation, distribution, and maintenance of costume paperwork, communication of build and show schedules, and duties and expectations of costume, hair, and make-up run crews.
Coordinate laundry, dry cleaning, and other costumes and wigs maintenance needs.
Collaborate with the Faculty Costume Design Mentor on student design and technical production assignments.
Hire and Supervise student Costume Shop student employees.
Develop, implement, and enforce safe work practices for costume, hair, and makeup operations.
Train students and employees in the safe use of costume shop equipment, chemicals, dyes, adhesives, steamers, irons, and other specialty equipment.
Organize, catalog, and maintain costume, hair, and make-up stocks, materials, and supplies.
Determine which new elements will be incorporated into CCC costume and hair stock at the conclusion of each production.
Maintain shop equipment, including performing basic repairs/maintenance to sewing machines and irons, arranging for more substantive repairs when needed, and scheduling yearly maintenance of industrial machines.
Purchase supplies for costume, hair, and make-up shop supplies.
Manage lending/borrowing of costume stock for class work and non-theater program projects.
Manage costume shop materials, costume shop student employee, and mainstage costume production budgets.
Reconcile all budget lines with the production manager at the conclusion of strike for all mainstage productions and end of each semester for all other productions and shop expenses.
Reconcile P-card and expense reports monthly.
Perform other duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.