Visiting Assistant Professor Costume Technology

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance costume shop works to maintain industry design and production standards while teaching students of varying skill levels from first year college students to final year graduate students. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Technology will work with other faculty to support university productions and help maintain costume stock.  https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92082

Responsitilities

• Coordinate with other costume faculty to stay on production schedules and budgets.
• Work with costume faculty to ensure production designs are executed on time and on budget.
• Communicate project needs to Costume Shop Manager.
• Execute basic patterning, construction, and alterations for mainstage productions to ensure all costumes are wearable at first dress and complete by opening night.
• Work with other costume faculty to support production and performance process including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Attend all production meetings and dress rehearsals for mainstage productions.
• Work with Costume Shop Manager to maintain a large costume stock inventory for internal use (no rentals).

Course Instruction

• Teach undergraduate and graduate-level costume technology courses including but not limited to basic textile sciences, hand and machine sewing, commercial pattern assembly and manipulation, patterning/draping, fabric dyeing/painting, costume crafts, and millinery.
  • THEA 210, THEA 330, THEA 435/535, THEA 436/536, & THEA 437/537
• Work with other theatre technology faculty to execute team taught classes.
  • THEA 210 & THEA 330
• Supervise all Costume Technology Lab Sections.
  • THEA 210A, THEA 330A, THEA 295, & THEA 395

General Faculty Responsibilities

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student designers, assistants, drapers and technicians of various skill levels through the production process.
• Participate in yearly student portfolio reviews and assessment.
• Attend all Faculty and Design/Technology meetings
• Participate in unit/department committees as assigned by Director of School

Minimum Required Qualifications

• MFA in a costume-related discipline or commensurate professional experience
• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience (academic, professional training, or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years of experience in costume shop management
• Advanced knowledge and experience in:
  • Flat-patterning and/or draping
  • Alteration and repair for historical and contemporary theatrical costumes
• Experience operating and troubleshooting:
  • Domestic and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock (serger) machines
• Experience with fittings and pinning alterations on a person’s body
• Experience sewing challenging fabrics, including stretch, slippery, and delicate materials
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for productions, including dress rehearsals and work calls

Additional Requirements

• Experience with theatrical and dance alterations, including:
  • Quick rigging
  • Alterations to ensure mobility for dance and acrobatics
• Working knowledge of wardrobe care, costume cleaning, and maintenance
• Experience working in a production intensive academic environment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with construction and maintenance of classical ballet costumes.
• Knowledge in wigs and hair styling for theatre and dance.

Physical Demands

Ability to meet physical requirements of the position, including, but not limited to:

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time
• Moving and transporting items weighing up to 30 lbs. unassisted
• Tolerance for exposure to metals, common laundry detergents, and materials such as wool or latex