Stitcher

Guthrie Theater•Minneapolis, MN

About The Position

The Stitcher works in the Production - Costumes department and is responsible for costume construction. The role builds and alters costumes in collaboration with the assigned work team, receives stitching assignments from the Draper/Tailor and First Hand, prepares costumes for fittings, makes post-fitting corrections, finishes and presses garments, creates mock-ups, and completes assigned technical notes. The Stitcher collaborates with the costume team on stitching techniques and works efficiently to meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of artisanship and artistic excellence. The position also involves working with management on departmental initiatives, sharing knowledge and resources with other work teams, occasionally instructing Overhire staff, and helping coworkers maintain the costume workroom and equipment. Employees are expected to champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. This is a full-time position in the Production - Costumes department, reporting to the Associate Costume Director. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., for 40 hours per week, with a guaranteed minimum of 44 work weeks per fiscal year (September 1 through August 31). The position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13. Compensation is $31.05 per hour, and the position is benefits eligible.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience as a dressmaker or tailor, or equivalent experience and training.
Skill in operating an industrial sewing machine and serger.
High level of expertise in garment construction.
Costume construction and pressing skills.
Knowledge of fabric properties and how they inform appropriate sewing techniques.
Knowledge of garment construction techniques and terminology for clear communication with the team.
Skill in identifying period garments and accessories.
Creative problem-solving skills.
Ability to listen to and follow detailed directions.
Effective and persuasive oral communication skills in interpersonal or group settings.
Ability to form teams with artists and coworkers who have varied personal and working styles.
Strong commitment to workplace safety and ergonomics.
Ability to lift 20 pounds continuously throughout an assigned shift.
Ability to perform sustained fine-motor manual work while observing safety and ergonomic practices.
Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams representing diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

Build and alter costumes in collaboration with the assigned work team.
Receive stitching assignments from the Draper/Tailor and First Hand.
Construct costumes for fittings and make necessary corrections after fittings.
Collaborate with the costume team regarding preferred stitching techniques.
Create mock-ups, finish and press garments, and complete assigned tech notes.
Work efficiently and meet deadlines while maintaining expected standards of artisanship and artistic excellence.
Collaborate with management on departmental initiatives.
Cooperate and share knowledge and resources with other work teams, including occasionally instructing Overhire staff.
Assist coworkers in maintaining the costume workroom and equipment.
Model and champion the Guthrie’s core values.