Costume Shop Foreman, Theater Design and Production, College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
ID: 7263205
Posted: July 15, 2024
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Job Overview
The Costume Shop Foreman will pattern and build costumes for theatrical performances, as well as perform costume alterations. They will attend costume fittings for productions, oversee the Graduate Assistants and Lab students during their shop hours, and assist the Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Shop Coordinator and/or Costume Shop Manager at tech/dress rehearsals as needed.
This is an 83% FTE position and work will ideally be completed in accordance with the academic calendar, August – May, depending on the needs of the division. Occasional night and weekend work required to address notes during tech and preview process.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Essential Functions
Collaborate with the Costume Shop team of Faculty, Staff, and Students to ensure shows are completed on time and in a quality manner. Mentor the students in completion of builds and alterations for shows, providing expertise and guidance as necessary.
Perform draping, patterning, tailoring, alterations and specialized sewing techniques
Oversee and coach students on show specific projects, alterations, and repairs
Attend fittings and provide assistance with fitting garments to designer specifications, take thorough notes for each garment to be altered
Maintain construction standards as set by the Costume Faculty and Shop Manager
Maintain machines and equipment within the shop in clean working order
Maintain, clean and organize Costume Shop spaces as needed
Complete garment construction and alterations in accordance with show schedules
Assist with inventory tracking and control for Costume Shop supplies
Attend all Shop meetings
Adhere to and promote health and safety protocols within the shop
Assist with the completion of laundry, dry cleaning, rental restocking and restoration as needed
Perform basic Microsoft Office tasks including the use of email, calendars, TEAMS, and file sharing.
Perform related duties based on departmental needs
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree must be in Fine Arts with course work in theatre costume design or costume technology.
Six (6) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
Required Experience
Two (2) years of experience in theatrical productions or related field.
Ability to create high quality costumes, historical pattern development, historical tailoring, tutu construction, costume alterations, and fitting techniques.
Additional Qualifications Considered
Two years in a professional theatre as cutter/draper with five years costume construction experience in a professional theatre, OR equivalent pattern, draping, and sewing experiences
Broad knowledge of theatrical costume construction techniques with familiarity in construction of apparel for all genders
Skilled in both flat patterning and draping on a form to create a pattern
Knowledge of industry standard fabrics, notions, tools and techniques
Ability to skillfully operate a variety of sewing machines including but not limited to- single needle industrial, industrial zig-zag, overlock, serger, coverstitch, domestic machines, and blind hemmer
Ability to work enthusiastically both independently and collaboratively with members of the costume department, including faculty, staff, and students
An understanding of body diversity and a commitment to leading a body positive costume shop and fitting room
Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly, with curiosity, and efficiency to notes generated during the production, rehearsal and tech process
Ability to work in an environment with changing priorities based on the needs of the production
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Academic theater, teaching, or student mentorship experience
The Costume Shop Foreman will pattern and build costumes for theatrical performances, as well as perform costume alterations. They will attend costume fittings for productions, oversee the Graduate Assistants and Lab students during their shop hours, and assist the Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Shop Coordinator and/or Costume Shop Manager at tech/dress rehearsals as needed.
This is an 83% FTE position and work will ideally be completed in accordance with the academic calendar, August – May, depending on the needs of the division. Occasional night and weekend work required to address notes during tech and preview process.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Essential Functions
Collaborate with the Costume Shop team of Faculty, Staff, and Students to ensure shows are completed on time and in a quality manner. Mentor the students in completion of builds and alterations for shows, providing expertise and guidance as necessary.
Perform draping, patterning, tailoring, alterations and specialized sewing techniques
Oversee and coach students on show specific projects, alterations, and repairs
Attend fittings and provide assistance with fitting garments to designer specifications, take thorough notes for each garment to be altered
Maintain construction standards as set by the Costume Faculty and Shop Manager
Maintain machines and equipment within the shop in clean working order
Maintain, clean and organize Costume Shop spaces as needed
Complete garment construction and alterations in accordance with show schedules
Assist with inventory tracking and control for Costume Shop supplies
Attend all Shop meetings
Adhere to and promote health and safety protocols within the shop
Assist with the completion of laundry, dry cleaning, rental restocking and restoration as needed
Perform basic Microsoft Office tasks including the use of email, calendars, TEAMS, and file sharing.
Perform related duties based on departmental needs
Required Education
Bachelor's Degree must be in Fine Arts with course work in theatre costume design or costume technology.
Six (6) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
Required Experience
Two (2) years of experience in theatrical productions or related field.
Ability to create high quality costumes, historical pattern development, historical tailoring, tutu construction, costume alterations, and fitting techniques.
Additional Qualifications Considered
Two years in a professional theatre as cutter/draper with five years costume construction experience in a professional theatre, OR equivalent pattern, draping, and sewing experiences
Broad knowledge of theatrical costume construction techniques with familiarity in construction of apparel for all genders
Skilled in both flat patterning and draping on a form to create a pattern
Knowledge of industry standard fabrics, notions, tools and techniques
Ability to skillfully operate a variety of sewing machines including but not limited to- single needle industrial, industrial zig-zag, overlock, serger, coverstitch, domestic machines, and blind hemmer
Ability to work enthusiastically both independently and collaboratively with members of the costume department, including faculty, staff, and students
An understanding of body diversity and a commitment to leading a body positive costume shop and fitting room
Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly, with curiosity, and efficiency to notes generated during the production, rehearsal and tech process
Ability to work in an environment with changing priorities based on the needs of the production
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Academic theater, teaching, or student mentorship experience