On-Call, Costume Shop Assistant

Santa Clara University•Santa Clara, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Costume Assistant assists in the execution of costume designs for departmental productions through patterning, construction, alterations, and costume maintenance. Working closely with the Costume Shop Manager, designers, and student staff, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process.

Requirements

Advanced sewing skills, working with a variety of textiles and sewing machines required
Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of costume construction and costume crafts
An understanding of the work flow in both professional and educational costume shops.
Knowledge of historical period costume designs, patterns and materials.
Time management
Clear communication with both professionals and students
Skills in patterning and/or draping
Skills in cutting various textiles
Skills in sewing using hand sewing, domestic machines, industrial machines, overlock machines
Skills in costume construction tools such as industrial irons, steamers, dye vats, etc.
Skills in fitting both mock up and final garments to bodies of all sizes, statures, and genders.
Skills in craftwork, such as dying, painting, and distressing.
Ability to visualize 2D designs and line drawings translate to 3D construction.
Ability to collaborate with the costume shop manager and designer to realize the costume vision for a production.
Ability to maintain high levels of detail regarding silhouette, measurements, color and pattern matching, and trim placement.
ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.
0-2 years of professional costuming experience, required.

Nice To Haves

An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desired

Responsibilities

Perform costume construction tasks as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager
Act as Cutter/Draper as needed
Act as First Hand as needed
Act as stitcher as needed
Act as craftsperson as needed
Perform costume alterations for department productions as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager
Complete construction tasks in the costume shop according to a schedule coordinated with the Costume Shop Manager - typically Monday-Friday between 1pm and 6pm.
Work with the Costume Shop Manager to assist in training student shop crew in costume construction skills.
Supervise work study and costume student assistants in the builds and alterations necessary to produce costumes for productions.