Costume Shop Assistant

Costume Shop Assistant

College of the Holy Cross

Description

Schedule: 39 weeks for 25 hours/week

Job Summary

This Costume Shop Assistant reports to the Costume Shop Manager at the Prior Performing Arts Center (PAC). This position will help with the day to day operations and activities associated with the Costume shop, including but not limited to: stitching, simple cutting, costume crafts and assisting the Costume Shop Manager with the supervision of student workers and maintenance of the costume stock. This position is responsible for organization and running of wardrobe for all productions and events at the PAC.

The ideal candidate is invested in all phases of production from creation to finished product, as well as providing excellent service and ideas to visiting artists-in-residence.Specific Theatrical Costume Shop experience is necessary.

Along with the Costume Shop Manager, the Costume Shop Assistant will help train employees, contractors and students in safe shop and theater protocol as needed.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• Runs wardrobe and supervises wardrobe crew for main-stage productions.
• Work with the Costume Designer to supervise hair and makeup construction and techniques with the students.
• Performs construction, alteration, refurbishment of costumes and various costume crafts. Performs finishing work using both hand and industrial machine stitching.
• Creates pattern work for construction of new garments. Interprets original design work and custom patterning based on the design.
• Assist in coordinating, scheduling and participating in costume fittings and measurements; complete alterations of garments. Presses, steams, and labels finished costumes.
• With the Costume Designer, participate in the preparation of costume plots, dressing lists and fast change items. Advise students and theater staff concerning costume use and requirements.
• Assist in training and supervising student work crews in the costume shop and run crews.
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals, technical research, previews and performances as needed
• Care, and maintenance of costume stock and storage, including repairs, dry cleaning, and restocking of all costumes and accessories.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in supervising wardrobe run crew and costume shop manufacturing personnel.
• Theatrical Costume Shop experience
• Ability to execute/teach wig, hair and make up designs
• Significant sewing and stitching experience.
• Experience with pattern drafting and draping, stitching, and tailoring
• Proficiency and accuracy sewing with an industrial sewing machine, Serger, and blind hemmer
• Working knowledge of theatrical costuming practices and techniques
• Current with costume technology standards and trends, including the safe handling and storage of materials/chemicals
• Strong initiative to solve problems and be flexible.
• Able to complete work within deadlines and multitask.
• Ability to adapt to and change between unconventional venues (galleries, outdoor stages, street events).
• Ability to work collaboratively, communicate clearly and diplomatically with attention to detail.
• Experience working with students or in an educational setting
• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior costume and/or costume shop experience
• Professional theater experience or experience involving the construction, fabrication, alteration and fitting of costumes for use in theater stage productions.
• Dyeing and crafts skills.
• A degree in a related field.
• MFA in Costume Design, Costume Production, Costume Technology or related field.
• Tailoring, millinery, upholstering, makeup and wig experience
• Experience with Google Office Suite.

Work Conditions

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, with availability on weekends, evenings and holidays in support of the PPAC event schedule.
• This position may require work in dimly lit or confined areas.
• The majority of the workday is spent indoors and onsite, but may require working outdoors or in off-campus venues.
• Restricted vacation during peak periods.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work effectively using ladders, lifts and scaffolding.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and able to move heavy equipment
• Must be able to kneel and/or stoop for short periods, and engage in repetitive motions.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of equipment.

Core Competencies

Skills that are required for this job and are in line with the College’s mission e.g.

• Supervision
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Service Oriented
• Excellent Written & Verbal Communication
• Proficient Problem Solving
• Understands Risk Management
• Excellent Innovation/Creativity
• Strong Teamwork & Team Facilitation
• Strong Interpersonal Skills
• Understands, values and respects diversity as an individual, in a team and within groups while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Disclaimer

The description above represents the most significant duties of this position but does not exclude other occasional work assignments not mentioned, the inclusion of which would be in conformity with the factor degrees assigned.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This is a part-time, non-exempt position. The College is committed to providing competitive market pay for its employees.

The College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and complies with all Federal and Massachusetts laws concerning Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in the workplace.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please send a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter please address how your work supports the College’s mission as a Jesuit, undergraduate liberal arts college (see http://www.holycross.edu/mission) and its core commitment to diversity and inclusion. For more information, please visit http://holycross.edu/diversity.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.jobvite.com/holycross/job/oPrKnfw7

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