Costume Studio Technician

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

15d

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).

Requirements

Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
Work well with students
Reliable transportation to and from work
Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
Wear closed–toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
Must wear “stage blacks” during all dress rehearsals and performances

Responsibilities

Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures
Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed
Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
Ability to create patterns
Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns
Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive purchases and label any rental items
With supervision, support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes and taking complete, concise alteration notes
Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations– or have the judgment to call in advanced support as needed
Quality control of completed alteration notes
Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair and makeup
Load, unload and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
Create a plan for Laundry and Wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute specific laundry needs as assigned
Ability to use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties
Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
Ability to apply and maintain wigs
Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties