Costume Shop Technician

Metropolitan State University of Denver•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Costume Shop Manager, the Costume Shop Technician serves as the Cutter/Stitcher/Shop Assistant in the MSU Denver Department of Theatre and Dance costume shop, which fully supports the costume needs of 4 mainstage departmental theatre productions each academic year (generally one musical and one play per semester). The Costume Shop Technician collaborates with costume designers and coordinates with the Costume Shop Manager to realize finished costumes based on designer specifications, delivering completed costume elements in accordance with production deadlines. Primary duties include: Stitching, cutting, alterations, and other aspects of costume construction as well as assigning labor to and supervising/teaching student workers while ensuring safety procedures are followed at all times. Secondary duties include maintaining stock organization, and general maintenance of the shop, machines, stock, and inventory. The Costume Shop Technician plays a key role in maintaining a safe and inclusive working/learning environment for MSU Theatre students, adhering to departmental fitting and measurement practices and fostering a culture of body inclusivity and antiracism.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Theatre or related field OR four years of experience working in a professional/academic costume shop or fashion industry equivalent.
Experience in a professional or academic costume shop setting. Knowledge of current practices, procedures, and standards of construction in professional performing arts costume shops.
Demonstrated experience in theatrical costume construction.
Experience with costume materials including but not limited to fabrics, notions, and craft supplies.
Experience with the operation and maintenance of machinery used in the costume industry including but not limited to industrial and domestic single and multi-needle sewing machines, steam irons, and cutting tools; advanced hand and machine stitching skills.
Experience with costume shop safety standards and the implementation of standards.
Good interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills.
Good organizational and multi-tasking skills.
Basic computer competency, to include utilizing spreadsheets and other digital costume paperwork.
Ability to lift heavy costumes, fabrics, and storage bins up to 30 lbs.
Ability to work on ladders up to six feet high.
Ability to stand at the cutting table for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive environment.
Demonstrated experience in draping/patternmaking.
Demonstrated experience leading a costume construction team.
Experience with consent-based theatrical necessary intimacy practices and their application to costume fittings.
Demonstrated experience with costume crafts.
Experience with wigs and makeup.
Working knowledge of costume history.

Responsibilities

Work independently to complete cutting and construction of assigned costumes for each departmental theatre production according to designer specifications, research, and costume renderings. Create mock-ups as needed, perform pattern alterations, cut and sew garments (or instruct students on the cutting and sewing of garments), and ensure that costumes are finished to a high standard of quality.
Work with the Costume Shop Manager to move all costume pieces through the cutting, build, fitting, and finishing phases, ensuring that all costumes are ready for stage by production deadlines.
Conduct costume fittings on built, purchased, pulled, and rented costume elements as assigned by the Costume Shop Manager.
Alter and finish built, purchased, pulled, and rented costume pieces based on fitting notes.
Collaborate with the Costume Shop Manager and work in accordance with production deadlines to assign and oversee student labor in cutting, stitching, and other costume construction tasks, to include teaching sewing and construction techniques while ensuring safe use of shop equipment and maintaining high quality standards in costume construction.
Ensure that all notes to be passed off are correctly marked and prepared, instruct students on specific techniques and procedures to successfully complete assigned notes.
Maintain clear and effective communication in support of the build process, following up on fitting notes and dress rehearsal notes with the designer and Costume Shop Manager.
Maintain safety practices and standards, train students on safety procedures and ensure safe working practices are being followed by anyone working in the costume shop.
Actively train and mentor students through frequent interaction that encourages and motivates them to succeed and conveys an enthusiasm for their learning.
Create and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for students to learn in.
Strictly adhere to departmental policies regarding necessary intimacy in costume fittings and measurement sessions. Work to create an inclusive environment centered on body neutrality and antiracism.
Assist in tracking shop notions and supplies, informing Costume Shop Manager of restocking needs.
Assist with organization, maintenance, and improvements needed within the costume shop and costume storage areas. Perform basic maintenance of sewing and pressing equipment.
Perform other duties as assigned.