Assistant Costume Studio Manager

POSITION: Assistant Costume Studio Manager

DEPARTMENT: Playhouse

REPORTS TO: Costume Shop Manager

WORK SCHEDULE: Fully on campus

POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Costume Studio Manager supports the Costume Studio Manager in the daily operations of the costume studio, ensuring that costumes are built, altered, and maintained to the highest professional standards. This position combines hands-on technical work, studio supervision, and mentorship of students and apprentices. The Assistant Costume Studio Manager contributes to both the artistic integrity of productions and the educational mission of the program, fostering an environment that balances efficiency, creativity, and learning.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a BA or BFA in Theatre or a related field.
• At least three years of proven professional experience in:
  • Strong sewing skills (hand and machine) and knowledge of finishing techniques.
  • Familiarity with dyeing, millinery, fabric modification, or costume crafts.
  • Theatre production operations and industry standards
• Comprehensive knowledge of costume construction techniques and best practices.
• Experience working in an environment that combines production deadlines with training/mentorship responsibilities.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and leadership skills, with prior experience supervising or mentoring others.

DUTIES:

Essential:

1. Collaborate with the Costume Shop Manager to organize and maintain the daily workflow, ensuring all projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and in a clean, safe, and well-organized studio environment. (20%)
2. Supervise and train student workers and over-hire staff in costume construction, alteration, fitting, and maintenance techniques. (25%)
3. Participate actively in costume fittings, ensuring that alteration notes are accurately recorded and executed. (20%
4. Uphold and model safe practices in the use of sewing equipment, irons, and all costume shop tools. (15%)
5. Contribute to the mentorship and professional development of students, preparing them for work in the theatre industry. (5%)
6. Assist with the procurement, inventory, and tracking of costume materials, notions, and supplies within established budget parameters. (5%)
7. Serve as the acting shop supervisor in the absence of the Costume Shop Manager. (5%)
8. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

Non-Essential:

1. Support the Costume Studio Manager in implementing and updating studio policies, safety procedures, and maintenance plans. (5%)
2. Aid in coordinating costume production schedules, fittings, and deadlines in collaboration with studio staff. (5%)
3. Assist in maintaining and organizing the department's costume stock. (5%)
4. Attend production and staff meetings as needed, contributing updates on costume progress, scheduling, and resource needs. (5%)
5. Support costume needs for non-departmental performances, photo shoots, or promotional activities as time allows. (5%)
6. Contribute to departmental documentation and outreach by photographing projects, maintaining costume archives, or supporting social media content related to the costume area. (5%)
7. Provide occasional assistance in related production areas (such as props, makeup, or hair) when appropriate and as assigned. (5%)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Occasional exposure to objectionable conditions or variations such as those found in variable weather conditions or light industrial settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Job requires repetitively lifting light weight objects where frequent bending or stooping alternates with lighter activities.
• Frequent computer use at workstations, up to eight hours per day
• Frequently work at a fast pace with unscheduled interruptions.
• Mobility within the office. Ability to walk, sit, stand and climb stairs. Ability to use hands and fingers to handle office equipment, records and files. Occasionally required to reach with arms and hands, and to stoop, kneel or crouch. Vision abilities required by this job include the ability to read and discern written errors on paper and electronic documents. Ability to talk and hear. Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.