Wardrobe Technician

POSITION:                   Wardrobe Technician

DEPARTMENT:            Costume Department

CLASSIFICATION:        Full-Time/ Hourly/ Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR:              Wardrobe Supervisor/ Costume Director

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Wardrobe Supervisor, the Wardrobe Technician is responsible for the efficient execution of costume changes, maintenance, and storage of all costumes provided for performances at the Alley Theatre. During non-performance weeks, the Wardrobe Technician will be assigned to work in other areas of the Costume Department. Candidates must have prior sewing experience.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist the Wardrobe Supervisor and Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor in the preparation of costume and dressing areas for technical rehearsals, photo calls, and performances for assigned productions. 
• Be familiar with the show, costume plot, wardrobe paperwork, and costume pieces for assigned productions.
• Assist with load-in and strike of costumes as scheduled by the Wardrobe Supervisor or Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor.
• Help actors with general dressing needs and costume changes during performances and technical rehearsals.
• Maintain costumes during the performances of assigned productions, which will include laundering, cleaning, pressing, and repairs.
• During non-performance/production weeks, work in other areas of the Costume Department. This may include working in the Costume Shop on costume alterations or construction projects, and/or working on costume crafts projects.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety and employee handbook policies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE):

• Must have prior wardrobe experience in a theatre setting.
• Familiarity with tools and equipment associated with wardrobe responsibilities (for example: washing machines, dryers, steamers, irons, etc.).
• Knowledge of clothing care techniques and products.
• Experience with domestic sewing equipment.
• Proficiency in hand sewing techniques.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a wide range of personality types and traits; successfully build relationships and collaborate with others.
• Ability to work both independently and with other staff members to achieve goals, prioritizing team building and teamwork.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task in situations that frequently have definite timelines.
• Prior experience handling wigs during costume changes, or helping actors apply wigs or hairpieces, a plus.
• Ability to work inclusively, and communicate about people, body types, hair types, skin tones, and/or genders with neutral/positive language.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of standing and sitting.
• Ability to work in sometimes dark, quiet, or enclosed spaces.
• Ability to position and move oneself to assist actors with costume changes—sometimes very quickly.
• Ability to push, pull, or move 25-50 lbs. either independently or with assistance.
• Ability to climb stairs and step ladders.
• Typical hours during show assignments are tech and performance schedules, Tuesday – Sunday, afternoon/evening hours; on non-performance weeks, hours are typical Monday – Friday, daytime hours.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Discounted Parking (bi-weekly $4 dollars).
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion

Salary : $18