Lead Painter/Dyer

Oregon Shakespeare Festival•Ashland, OR

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Lead Painter / Dyer to join our Costume Department. This role is ideal for an accomplished costume professional with expertise in dyeing, painting, printing, distressing, and fabric manipulation who enjoys combining artistry, technical precision, and collaborative problem-solving. As Lead Painter Dyer, you’ll work at an expert level to plan, create, and oversee fabric and costume treatments for OSF productions. You’ll collaborate with Costume Designers and production teams to translate artistic concepts into colors, textures, graphics, and finishes while coordinating multiple projects and deadlines.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
At least 5 years of Costume Shop theatre experience
Advanced knowledge of Fiber Reactive, Acid, Union, Direct, and Disperse dyes
Expertise in color matching, fabric manipulation, painting, printing, and distressing techniques
Ability to manage a high volume of work and multiple projects while meeting production deadlines
Adaptable, collaborative, solutions-oriented, and committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment
Comfortable using digital image tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Canva

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of global garment and costume history
Experience mentoring and teaching others
Strong communication, delegation, and problem-solving skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and cloud-based information-sharing systems

Responsibilities

Create custom colors, textures, graphics, and treatments using advanced techniques including dyeing, silk screening, airbrushing, digital printing, stenciling, painting, and distressing.
Develop precise dye formulas and color matches while considering how colors appear under different lighting conditions in OSF’s indoor and outdoor theatres.
Assess project scope, develop Dye Shop work calendars, and prioritize projects with Costume Project Managers, Lead Craft Artisans, and Lead Drapers.
Test fabrics, materials, products, and techniques and document approved formulas, finishes, and processes for ongoing garment maintenance.
Share expertise, mentor colleagues, and assist Craft Artisans and Wardrobe & Hair as needed.
Maintain Dye Shop equipment and workspaces while ensuring strict adherence to current safety standards.