Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026 – Costumes Crew
About The Position
The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is seeking applications for highly skilled and experienced Cutter/Drapers and First Hands, as well as Costume Technicians and Costume Crafts Technicians for the 2026 summer season. CUTTER/DRAPER and FIRST HAND Professional cutter/draper experience is required. Professional first hand experience is preferred in addition to being a skilled cutter/draper or first hand. The ideal candidate should work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be able to teach young costume professionals and interns. Positions will be available for both the build period of the Festival and the full season. Cutter/drapers and First Hands hired for the build period will work from May 19 – July 10. First Hands/Wardrobe Crew Heads hired for the full season will work May 19 – August 5 and be transitioned to wardrobe crew when dress rehearsals begin. COSTUME TECHNICIAN/WARDROBE CREW Costume construction experience is required, preferably in a professional environment. In addition to strong construction skills, the ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, be able to work well in a fast-paced environment, be able to produce professional quality costumes independently, and teach interns. Positions will be available for the full season. Costume technicians hired for the full season will work May 19 – August 5 and be transitioned to wardrobe crew when dress rehearsals begin. ASSISTANT CRAFT SHOP SUPERVISOR Experience working in a managerial position is required preferably in a professional craft shop. The ideal candidate must work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, and possess excellent communication skills. Candidates must demonstrate advanced organizational skills and an ability to work with professional costume designers. Knowledge of costume and craft construction methods is required. This position is available for the build period of the Festival, May 19 – July 10. Housing is available at a reduced cost beginning on May 18. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and positions filled as applications are received. In addition to the required resume and cover letter, interested applicants are encouraged to submit images of their work, uploaded as a Word or PDF document. Alternatively, a link to an online portfolio can be uploaded in a Word or PDF document.
Requirements
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated
- Strong communication skills
- Professional cutter/draper experience is required.
- Costume construction experience is required, preferably in a professional environment.
- Experience working in a managerial position is required preferably in a professional craft shop.
- Candidates must demonstrate advanced organizational skills and an ability to work with professional costume designers.
- Knowledge of costume and craft construction methods is required.
Nice To Haves
- Professional first hand experience is preferred in addition to being a skilled cutter/draper or first hand.
- In addition to strong construction skills, the ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, be able to work well in a fast-paced environment, be able to produce professional quality costumes independently, and teach interns.
Benefits
- Benefits include time away from work for eligible employees and the option to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
