Stitcher

Guthrie Theater•Minneapolis, MN

10d

About The Position

The Stitcher constructs and alters costumes in collaboration with an assigned work team and supports the Guthrie’s costume production work. The role receives stitching assignments from the Draper/Tailor and First Hand, constructs costumes for fittings, creates mock-ups, makes corrections after fittings, finishes and presses garments, and completes assigned tech notes. The Stitcher is expected to work efficiently to meet deadlines and maintain high standards of artisanship and artistic excellence. The position also collaborates with management on departmental initiatives, shares knowledge and resources with other work teams, may occasionally instruct Overhire staff, and helps coworkers maintain the costume workroom and equipment. All employees are expected to model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. This position is in the Production - Costumes department and reports to the Associate Costume Director. Compensation is $31.05 per hour, and the position is benefits eligible. The typical 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.

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.
Knowledge of fabric properties and 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 at interpersonal and group levels.
Ability to form teams with artists and coworkers with a variety of 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 maintaining safety and ergonomics.
Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams reflecting diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Responsibilities

Build and alter costumes in collaboration with the assigned work team.
Communicate with the Draper/Tailor and First Hand to receive stitching assignments.
Construct costumes for fittings and create mock-ups.
Collaborate with the costume team on preferred stitching techniques.
Make necessary costume corrections after fittings.
Finish and press garments, and complete assigned tech notes.
Work efficiently and meet deadlines while maintaining expected levels of artisanship and artistic excellence.
Collaborate with management on departmental initiatives.
Cooperate and share knowledge and resources with other work teams, occasionally instructing Overhire staff.
Assist coworkers with maintaining the costume workroom and equipment.