Performing Arts Costume Designer and Costume Studio Manager

George Fox University•Newberg, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

George Fox University's Performing Arts Department is seeking a creative and motivated individual to serve on our team as the Performing Arts Costume Designer and Costume Studio Manager. The Costume Designer and Costume Studio Manager is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of costumes, supply management, and the oversight of the costume studio staff. This individual will typically design two productions per year and collaborate with guest designers or mentor student designers on additional productions. They will also take part in the production planning process for all productions as it pertains to costumes, which includes meetings, rehearsals, and fittings.

Requirements

A BA or BFA in theatre.
Experience in theatrical cutting, stitching, and crafts for theatre.
Experience in theatrical costume design.
Working knowledge of costume materials, including fabrics, notions, and craft supplies.
Experience and skill in operating a variety of sewing machines and equipment, including, but not limited to, single-needle industrial, industrial zigzag, overlock, Merrow or serger, steam irons, cutting tools, and domestic straight and zigzag machines, to create assigned costume elements.
An understanding of pattern alteration.
A minimum of five years of sewing experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of fabric types and uses.
Knowledge of alteration methods for purchased garments.
Knowledge of garment fitting.
Comfort working with stretch fabrics, beading, and sequins.
The ability to identify and distinguish colors.
The ability to sit for extended periods of time.
Demonstrated attention to detail.
The ability to lift 20 lbs. and work around chemicals.
Working knowledge of safety standards and standards implementation.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak to coworkers, guest artists, managers, and students with good judgment, kindness, and clarity.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
This position does not offer visa sponsorship; therefore, only applicants who do not require sponsorship for employment visas, now or at any point in the future, should apply.
A commitment to the University's Theology of Racial and Ethnic Diversity .
A desire to work with a diverse community of students and employees who represent various cultures, backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, political views, and expressions of Christian faith.
A personal commitment to Jesus Christ and express their Christian testimony in a church.
Employees agree to live in agreement with the Community Lifestyle Statement and affirm the theological commitments expressed in the Statement of Faith.

Nice To Haves

An MFA in theatre.
Experience in management.
Knowledge of costume history.
Working knowledge of specialty needlework techniques.
Skill in a variety of contemporary and historical hand-sewing techniques.
Experience organizing and maintaining a shop environment.

Responsibilities

Managing the costume studio, costume storage, supplies, and all inventory.
Maintaining a tidy and organized workspace and storage spaces.
Maintaining shop equipment, including regular maintenance, repairs, and replacement.
Managing the costume budget, including purchasing or renting supplies and materials and coordinating returns.
Overseeing all costume construction, alterations, repairs, and cleaning for all theatre productions.
Fostering a culture of safety and ensuring safe work environments and practices are observed.
Grading commercial patterns to specific measurements and sewing technically challenging projects.
Maintaining the technical specifications and integrity of the costume design.
Prioritizing work processes and expediting productions within scheduled deadlines.
Collaborating with guest designers and/or mentoring student designers.
Participating in production meetings and working with Stage Management for fittings and production notes.
Scheduling and overseeing backstage costume support during dress rehearsals and performances/run of show.
Leading the costume crew and participating in strike for theatre productions.
Actively participating in the production process and facilitating a smooth transition of costumes from shop to dress rehearsal.
Designing costumes for two theatre productions per year and performing all services generally performed by the costume designer in a theatre production, including, but not limited to: Producing industry-standard communication tools, including sketches and renderings, research, and technical drawings.
Checking daily and responding to production-related email, rehearsal, and performance reports.
Adapting designs as needed in response to director feedback and the needs of the production.
Attending all design and production meetings, designer run-throughs, costume fittings, costume parades, dress rehearsals, and other rehearsals where costumes are needed, as well as ACTF responses.
Supervising student costume studio employees and temporary costume studio staff.
Hiring, scheduling, and managing timekeeping for student costume studio employees.
Hiring, scheduling, and managing timekeeping for temporary costume studio staff.
Contributing to the overall success of George Fox University and the Performing Arts Department.
Attending weekly Theatre Team meetings and occasional Performing Arts Department meetings.
Providing limited costume support for additional department events, including the annual Christmas Concert, Epiphany ensemble, and second stage events.
Coordinating costume rentals and loans to university and community events, as time allows.
Communicating effectively and courteously with others, including employees, students, and the public, in a spirit of teamwork, respect and customer service.
By actions, words, and lifestyle, be a Christian role model to students, whether through casual contact or in a formal supervisory role.
Demonstrated experience working cross-culturally with respect, appreciation and humility.
Other duties as assigned.