Costume Cutter / Draper

Position Overview:
The Costume Cutter is responsible for overseeing the high-quality construction of all required costume elements. This position supervises, instructs, and mentors temporary professional staff, graduate assistants, work-study students and volunteers in the construction of costumes. They are responsible, in cooperation with the other staff, for the maintenance of all Wirtz costume areas and performance spaces. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Costume Shop Supervisor and the Production Manager.

Position Responsibilities:
The Costume Cutter / Draper provides expertise in the construction of costume elements for each Wirtz production within budget and time constraints. They are responsible for working with the Costume Shop Supervisor to generate necessary information for the construction of the designed costumes and ensure that the costumes are executed with a high level of craftmanship and efficiency. This position executes projects alongside the costume staff; they are responsible for instruction and supervising graduate and undergraduate students in techniques necessary for construction of all costume elements, while prioritizing and modeling safe use of tools and equipment. Additionally, they maintain a clean workplace, assist in the maintenance and general upkeep of tools, equipment, and inventory; prioritize safety and best working practices.

Essential Skills and Attributes:
Self-motivated team player who handles pressure well while working in a deadline-oriented industry
Open-mindedness and ability to collaborate successfully with a wide range of colleagues including students, faculty and theatre professionals
An ability to produce high quality costumes as specified in design renderings
Strong ability to generate and analyze patterns for the purpose of construction
Experience in labor management
Knowledge of a wide variety of construction techniques as well as fabrics and textiles to create imaginative costumes
Excellent organizational skills
Exemplary work habits and the ability to teach them to others
Experience leading teams in construction of costume elements; ability to organize and establish priorities for the work of others
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience; 5+ years professional experience in creating costumes

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
Experience in an educational environment – Costume Construction and Design
Advanced working knowledge and ability to Drape, Tailor, and create the unknown

Work Environment and Physical Demands: The Costume Cutter / Draper is expected to be hands on in the execution of all costume applications. This position requires that the applicant be able to lift 50 pounds. The position may require working with hazardous materials and use of specialized equipment.