Draper/Workroom Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Draper/Workroom Supervisor is responsible for interpreting costume designs from two-dimensional drawings and sketches and developing the patterns and processes for turning those sketches into a three-dimensional, wearable garments. Draper/Workroom Supervisor excels at interpreting a designer’s renderings, works well under time constraints and enjoys producing high quality work.  The Draper/Workroom Supervisor is also responsible for maintaining shop’s equipment and supplies, establishing and maintaining work flow and providing day-to-day supervision of first hands and stitchers and overhire costume shop personnel. This position is covered under a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 769.  Prior union membership is not required

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values diversity, inclusion, and equity, as well as promoting a safe, supportive, and collaborative work environment. Visit our website to learn more about our IDEA to Action platform. www.chicagoshakes.com/ideatoaction

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Drives IDEA to Action platform by engaging in committees, events, training and other initiatives as needed.
• Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos.
• Champions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Discusses work assignments with Costume Shop Manager to ensure thorough understanding of scope and responsibility
• Reviews designs with the costume designer to ensure understanding of the goals of the design in terms of shape, style lines, fit, etc.
• Oversees the implementation of assigned pieces with other costume shop personnel, including first hand and stitchers
• Creates of physical garments from designs, including draping, patterning, generating mockups, fitting, adjusting and truing patterns, cutting, and overseeing the overall construction and finishing
• Maintains a high level of quality control for finished pieces
• Manages time and schedule to ensure that the costumes are completed on the established timeline.
• Purchases workroom supplies
• Maintains workroom machinery
• Provides day-to-day supervision of first hands, stitchers and overhire workroom personnel.

ADDTIONAL DUTIES

• Fitting and overseeing the labeling and alterations to rented and purchased costume pieces
• Maintaining a clean work environment
• Supervises workflow and quality control

COMPENTENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Pattern making
• Period costume construction processes & techniques
• Men’s tailoring
• Hand and machine sewing skills
• Basic knowledge of costume and fashion history
• Advanced knowledge of fabric types and applications
• Ability to work in a team driven environment
• Demonstrated understanding of body diversity and show a commitment body positivity
• Knowledge of theatrical fabrication techniques
• Service, ingenuity, and collaboration
• Emotional intelligence
• Mission-driven

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work hours are generally 9:00am-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Overtime hours may be necessary.
• Weekend hours may be necessary.
• Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks or other off-site performance venues.
• Will occasionally be required to wear PPE during work activities.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling.
• Push, pull, lift, and move up to 15 lbs.
• May need to lift boxes and stand for long periods of time.
• Use of manual dexterity in the operation of costume shop equipment and tools.
• Repetitive hand motions (scissors, irons, steamers, hand sewing).

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3 years of professional experience as a cutter/draper
• 3 years working in a professional costume shop

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 which means 14 days has passed since obtaining 2 doses of a primary series with Pfizer, Moderna, or Novavax or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. Proof of vaccination must be provided before beginning work with Chicago Shakespeare Theater or a request for a qualifying exemption must be submitted and approved prior to beginning work.