Costume Shop Head

Position: Costume Shop Head

Department: Production

Reports to: Director of Production

Classification: Bargained, Seasonal, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Grade: Head

Salary/Hour: $29.36

Position Summary:

In collaboration with designers, directors, Director of Production, and Artistic Director, work as a creative problem solver in the creation or acquisition of all costume elements for SCT productions. Supervise and direct Costume Shop and Wardrobe staff. Monitor timely progress of staff and projects, while setting high standards of quality. Scheduled employment is from August 21, 2023 through May 26, 2024, with the possibility to continue into the next season.

About SCT:

Since its inception in 1975, the Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT), has served more than 4 million children through professional theatre and arts education in the Puget Sound region and beyond. Seattle Children’s Theatre Mission Statement: To provide children of all ages with access to professional theatre, with a focus on new works, and theatre education. We are at a key evolutionary moment in our history, and are looking to collaborate with people who are attracted by the opportunity to contribute to the future of theatre for young audiences. At SCT we are working to become and anti-racists organization, as such we value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. 

Data shows that women and BIPOC candidates more frequently do not apply to a job because they don’t feel that they meet all of the qualifications listed. Our job descriptions are general overviews, not a mandatory, comprehensive list. If you meet some of the experience and desired qualifications, and you share SCT’s values and support our mission, we encourage you to apply. As part of our ongoing commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, we are invested in building teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work directly with directors and designers to establish priorities and keep expenditures within a predetermined time, labor, and budget constraints based on approved final designs.
• Determine or approve approaches, procedures, and techniques to create or acquire all costumes and costume-related elements for each production. 
• Prepare projections of time, materials, and equipment required for each production.
•  Conduct research and development of unusual costume concepts.
•  Facilitate the creation of prototypes for rehearsals and/or production meetings as necessary.    
•  Ensure timely delivery of all costume elements.
•  Collaborate with the director, designer, and stage management to develop and update the costume plot, dressing lists, and other shop paperwork.
• Supervise purchasing of costume shop materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Anticipate and facilitate the workflow of the shop by delegating appropriate jobs to shop staff and over-hire artisans.
• Provide costume information/drawings to other members of the design/production team as needed.
• Attend all production meetings, tech rehearsals, and note sessions.
• Respond to stage management daily rehearsal and performance reports with information as necessary.
• Request, schedule, and attend all costume and costume-related fittings.
• Coordinate with the charge wardrobe technician to schedule and coordinate wardrobe for each production, communicating with wardrobe crew and stage management regarding instructions and expectations.
• Attend the quick-change rehearsal, coordinating with the charge wardrobe technician to ensure that all notes are completed before the start of tech.
• Coordinate with the charge wardrobe technician with scheduling of the understudy fittings. 
• Attend fittings and coordinate the completion of all notes.
• Advise wardrobe crew regarding maintenance and repair of costume elements as needed.
• Schedule and coordinate costume strike of each production, ensuring the responsible return of borrowed/loaned costume elements.
• Coordinate with the safety head to maintain all shop equipment.
• Maintain accurate records for all expenditures and responsibly handle purchasing funds. 
• Ensure that staff are working in a safe and supportive environment.
•  Supervise and direct Costume Shop and Wardrobe staff and over-hire artisans.
• Maintain familiarity with the current union contracts and Seattle Children’s Theatre policies.
• Conduct semi-annual and annual performance evaluations of the costume shop and wardrobe staff.
• Assist Director of Production in seasonal budgeting and scheduling of labor.
• Monitor outside rentals or loans of SCT costumes to other theatres or performing groups.
• Maintain reciprocal relationships with other theatres regarding loans and rentals.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• Three years in Costume Shop Management, preferably in a regional theatre or comparable deadline-driven, creative, professional environment.
• Experience in budgeting and responsible handling of funds.
• Working knowledge in making patterns, cutting, draping, sewing, and dying costumes – crafting and millinery skills a plus.
• Working knowledge of theatrical experience and crafts expertise.
• Working knowledge of interpretive, interpersonal, and communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to instruct, motivate, and collaborate with the entire staff in order to produce products that fulfill the artistic and practical needs of each production.
• Strong organizational, time, and materials estimation skills.
• Computer and internet research skills with specific knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, Photoshop, and calendar.
• Working knowledge of costume construction standards in the theatrical industry.
• Broad knowledge of history, art history, and theatrical techniques.
• Working knowledge of health and safety priorities and practices for the performing arts.
• Mature, positive, and enthusiastic attitude towards the goal of providing the highest quality work possible, in a mutually supportive and convivial environment. 

Physical Requirements & Work Environment: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The primary work location is the well-equipped costume shop on the third floor of the production support facility with amazing views of the Space Needle and Downtown Seattle. Not eligible for remote work. We require a full background check for all employees. We require COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees. Learn more about the policy at sct.org/safety.

Salary & Schedule: 

The Costume Shop Head is a seasonal hourly position as outlined in the IATSE Agreement. This position starts at $29.36 per hour and includes benefits as outlined in the IATSE Agreement as well as perks afforded to all staff members of Seattle Children’s Theatre. The work schedule is primarily weekdays from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm with occasional evening and weekend work required.

Benefits:

• Seattle Children’s Theatre provides vacation benefits for its Collective Bargaining Agreement employees based on the current contract in place. To determine benefits for this category, you should refer to the current contract.
• Seattle Children's Theatre offers employees the option of purchasing an array of additional insurance coverage through AFLAC.
• Seattle Children’s Theatre offers employees the opportunity to participate in 403(b) plan in order to save a portion of their earnings on a pre-tax basis.
• SCT offers discount parking through Seattle Center.
• SCT offers discounted public transportation enrollment through ORCA Passport.

Salary : $29 - $0