Costumes Crew – Illinois Shakespeare Festival 2026 (ISU Students)

ISU Students•Normal, IL

1d•Onsite

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. The Festival is a professional repertory theatre company that produces Shakespeare and contemporary plays every summer at the beautiful Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The Festival hires professional Directors, Designers, Actors, and production personnel and offers a variety of internships to students from Illinois State University and other colleges and universities. The Festival sells an average of 10,000 tickets per year and is supported by Illinois State University and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society.

Requirements

Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated
Strong communication skills
Professional cutter/draper experience (Cutter/Draper)
Costume construction experience, preferably in a professional environment (Costume Technician/Wardrobe Crew)
Strong construction skills (Costume Technician/Wardrobe Crew)
Experience working in a managerial position, preferably in a professional craft shop (Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor)
Knowledge of costume and craft construction methods (Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor)
Resume
Cover Letter

Nice To Haves

Professional first hand experience in addition to being a skilled cutter/draper or first hand (Cutter/Draper and First Hand)
Images of work or a link to an online portfolio

Responsibilities

Work as a Cutter/Draper or First Hand during the build period (May 19 – July 10) or the full season (May 19 – August 5).
If hired for the full season as a First Hand/Wardrobe Crew Head, transition to wardrobe crew when dress rehearsals begin.
Teach young costume professionals and interns (Cutter/Draper and First Hand roles).
Perform costume construction (Costume Technician/Wardrobe Crew).
Produce professional quality costumes independently (Costume Technician/Wardrobe Crew).
Teach interns (Costume Technician/Wardrobe Crew).
Work in a managerial position in a professional craft shop (Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor).
Demonstrate advanced organizational skills (Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor).
Work with professional costume designers (Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor).

Benefits

Housing is available at a reduced cost beginning on May 18 (for Assistant Craft Shop Supervisor)
Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan

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