Technician I, Costume Fabrication

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Costume Fabrication Tech I will Fabricate, repair and finish costumes and accessories for Entertainment Venues at Universal Parks and Resorts while upholding the highest performer and guest safety standards. Responsibilities include costume construction, patterning and pattern alterations, machine and hand sewing, mold making, working with silicone, fiberglass repair, foam carving, casting, wig care, pigmentation and painting including color matching, scenic applications, faux finishes, automotive spray, and airbrushing techniques.

Requirements

High school degree or GED is required.
3+ years costume fabrication and maintenance with the finishing aspect of costumes/animated figures/characters is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to perform these operations using units of weight measurement, volume, and distance.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as ratio, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume.
Ability to create and interpret spread sheets.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to work with airbrush, vacuform, saws, drills and other heavy-duty power tools.
Ability to work with spandex, fleece, fur, and hairs for application to character heads, bodies, and accessories.
Working and practical knowledge of all materials and tools for working with hair, feathers and fur needed.
Ability to mix and color match paints per art direction.
Working and practical knowledge of types of paints including spray, latex, and acrylic paints for application to costume pieces.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts, Scenery Production, Technical Theater, Costuming or equivalent is preferred.

Responsibilities

Fabricate, troubleshoot, and repair character heads, hands, feet, accessories, and coverings (including costume fabrics, fleece, foam, wigs, fur, and feathers). This includes planning/preparing for work, cleaning, painting, repairing costumes and other figure coverings, cleaning of work area, and documenting work. Painting processes to include properly assessing, mixing, and applying airbrush and/or faux paint techniques, automotive paint applications, as well as wet/dry brush and sponge painting. Painting techniques to include brushing, rolling, blending, spraying, and faux finishing techniques of entertainment costumes. Execute color mixing of paints for accurate color matching to achieve approved character looks.
Repair and fabricate new animated costume pieces and skins. Utilize various sculpting and mold making techniques to cast/vacuform final products in materials such as latex, silicone, resin, plastics, and urethanes. Create patterns for and complete the construction/application of foam costume pieces as well as fur and fleece character skins.
Assist with the fittings of new and existing performers and adjust costumes per supervisory authorization. Assess and advise on ergonomics, fit, and safety issues form performers and make suggestions for repairs/improvements to Supervisors. Execute approved modifications applying the highest safety standards. Perform onsite analysis of character/costume problems, including costume safety issues.
Properly plan, prep and assess project documentation, tools, and materials before, during, and after each task. Properly document and update projects and processes through SOP’s, Material Request Forms and other documentation.
Assists in cleanliness and organization of the work areas by assuring that all containers are labeled and stored according to MSDS and NFPA standards, and performs accurate logging of daily work product.
Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.