Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager

Job Title: Costume Designer and Shop Manager, Calvin Theatre Company [.40 FTE]

Department: Visual and Performing Arts

Reports To: Performing Arts Managing Director
 

The Costume Designer and Shop Manager is a key member of the Calvin Theatre Company’s creative and production team. This position encompasses designing and constructing costumes for productions, managing the costume shop, and supervising student costuming assistants. The position requires a dynamic combination of artistic creativity, technical expertise in costume construction, and strong organizational and time management skills for shop management and meeting production timelines. The ideal candidate will possess experience in costume design, construction, alterations, and wardrobe management, preferably within a theatrical environment. Experience in millinery, makeup design, and hair/wig design is a plus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Costume Designer Duties
Design Creation: Design costumes for Calvin Theatre Company productions, working closely with directors to capture the artistic vision.

Research and Concept Development: Conduct research on historical, cultural, or thematic elements as necessary, ensuring accurate and creative designs for its productions.

Renderings and Presentations: Prepare and present costume sketches and renderings, including fabric swatches and accessories, for approval by the creative team.

Budget and Sourcing: Develop and manage costume budgets, sourcing and purchasing fabrics and materials while staying within budget.

Fittings and Adjustments: Coordinate costume fittings, making alterations and adjustments as needed to ensure fit, comfort, and durability for each performer.

Attends at least one designer run of each production and all dress rehearsals and performances.

Costume Shop Manager Duties
Shop Operations: Oversee all aspects of the costume shop, including maintaining a clean, organized, and safe workspace.

Inventory Management: Organize, maintain, and track costume stock, tools, equipment, and materials, regularly updating inventory for efficient use and storage.

Team Supervision: Hire, train, and supervise costume shop student staff, interns, and volunteers, ensuring adherence to deadlines and quality standards.

Costume Construction: Oversee costume production, from pattern-making to garment construction, stitching, and alterations.

Maintenance and Repair: Ensure costumes and equipment are properly cleaned, maintained, and repaired as necessary throughout production runs.

Rental Coordination: As time permits, coordinate costume rentals, including pricing, rental agreements, and tracking, ensuring high standards for the condition and quality of rental items. Serves as the primary point of contact for rental clients, providing assistance and guidance on costume selection and rental policies.

Safety and Compliance: Uphold and enforce safety protocols, especially regarding machinery and materials, within the shop environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervise CTC students, both student costume shop workers and student volunteers.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 2 years in theatrical costume design, with costume shop management preferred. Strong costume design skills, with a portfolio demonstrating previous design work. Proficiency in costume construction, including but not limited to: sewing, draping, pattern-making, and alterations. A bachelors or masters degree a plus.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with directors, staff, and rental clients. Train or instruct student costume shop employees. Handles confidential information.

COMPLEXITY

The position requires the ability to do many tasks at one time, to solve problems, and to manage a variety of variables in situations. Instructions may be furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

ACCOUNTABILITY

The position has the authority, if approved, to take action or make recommendations that will affect procedures, processes, and practices involving customers or employees in other departments.

DECISION MAKING/JUDGMENT

This position regularly requires independent judgment in setting priorities and organizing work to accomplish results. Some of the responsibilities of this position are performed in accordance with existing procedures and instructions.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The position requires interaction with students, staff, faculty, arts patrons, guest artists, and individuals from the community.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The work in this position is performed within routine office conditions, usually without exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to lift up to 25lbs. Work with sewing and garment machinery. Stand for extended periods.

SCHEDULE

Work is completed during the academic year, with summers off. Approximately August 20-May 1, but subject to change based on production season needs. Flexibility required, with availability for nights and weekends during peak production and performance times.

FAITH and EDUCATIONAL COMMITMENT

1. Commitment to the educational mission of Calvin as a Christian liberal arts University affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church.

2. A commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith, learning, and student development.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Demonstrated awareness and commitment to effectively establishing relationships and positive communication across multiple dimensions of diversity including, but not limited to, race, gender, physical limitations, class, or religious perspectives.