Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager

Calvin University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Calvin Theatre Company at Calvin University seeks a Costume Designer and Shop Manager to design, build, and supervise costumes for productions. The role combines artistic design with shop leadership to keep productions on schedule and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have experience in costume design, construction, alterations, and wardrobe management, with pluses for millinery, makeup, and wig design.

Qualifications

• Experience in costume design and construction.
• Experience in alterations and wardrobe management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Preferably experience within a theatrical environment.

Responsibilities

• Design costumes for Calvin Theatre Company productions, working with directors to capture the artistic vision.
• Develop and manage costume budgets, sourcing fabrics and materials within budget.
• Coordinate costume fittings and alterations for each performer.
• Attend at least one designer run of each production and all dress rehearsals and performances.
• Oversee all aspects of the costume shop from pattern-making to garment construction and repairs.
• Hire, train, and supervise costume shop student staff, interns, and volunteers.

Skills

Costume design

Costume construction

Wardrobe management

Shop management

Team supervision

Budgeting

Alterations

Millinery

Makeup design

Hair/wig design

Job description

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

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.