Costume Shop Overhire

Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

Boston Conservatory at Berklee is seeking Costume Production Technicians to assist the full-time costume staff across stitching, wardrobe, wigs, hair and makeup on a show-by-show basis. This on-site hourly role reports to the Costume Shop Manager and supports quick changes, costume maintenance, and show documentation.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and at least 1 year in costume work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience or training.
• Minimum 1 year experience working in the costume field (stitching, wardrobe, wigs, HMU).
• Proficiency on industrial machines required.
• Extremely detail oriented and paperwork-driven.

Responsibilities

• Complete costume alterations and craft notes for BCB costume shop supported productions across theater, dance and opera.
• Assist in maintaining costume shop and show paperwork, including notes sheets, piece lists and run sheets.
• Uphold proper safety measures and assist with housekeeping in costume spaces.
• Support actors with costume and wig dressing and quick changes prior to, during, and after each performance; choreograph and facilitate quick changes, working with Wardrobe Manager and Stage Manager on securing quick change areas as needed.
• Assist the WM in maintaining all costume pieces across all stages of production to uphold original designs and best possible condition.
• Perform basic wig maintenance to preserve original styling and best possible condition.
• Assist WM with laundering costumes between performances.
• Efficiently tend to alteration needs and all wardrobe issues during rehearsals and performances as they arise.
• Assist the WM with checking in, laundering and sorting all costumes at the end of each production, return in‑house stock items, separate and pack items for drycleaning pickup.
• Attend designer run and tech showings, in consultation with the WM.
• Attend rack tour and load‑in for each production to facilitate the transition of costumes from the Shop to Wardrobe for tech, dress and performances.
• Assist the WM in packing costumes for off‑campus productions.

Skills

Industrial sewing machines

Attention to detail

Paperwork/documentation

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Google Suite

Workday

Job description

Job Description:

Costume Production Technicians (CPT) at Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) assist the full‑time costume staff in the areas of stitching, wardrobe, wigs, hair and makeup on an as‑needed basis (show‑by‑show). CPTs may specialize in any or all areas listed.

As part of the Performance Services department, Costume Production Technicians report to the Costume Shop Manager (CSM); works closely with the Assistant Costume Shop Manager (ACSM), Wardrobe Manager (WM), and performers. This is an hourly, non‑exempt position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Complete costume alterations and craft notes for BCB costume shop supported productions across theater, dance and opera
• Assist in maintaining costume shop and show paperwork, including but not limited to notes sheets, piece lists and run sheets
• Uphold proper safety measures and assist with housekeeping in costume spaces (shop, dressing rooms, laundry room, etc.)
• Support actors with costume and wig dressing and quick changes prior to, during, and after each performance; choreograph and facilitate quick changes, working with Wardrobe Manager and Stage Manager on securing quick change areas as needed
• Assist the WM in maintaining all costume pieces across all stages of production to uphold original designs and best possible condition
• Perform basic wig maintenance to preserve original styling and best possible condition
• Assist WM with laundering costumes between performances
• Efficiently tend to alteration needs and all wardrobe issues during rehearsals and performances as they arise
• Assist the WM with checking in, laundering and sorting all costumes at the end of each production, return in‑house stock items, separate and pack items for drycleaning pickup
• Attend designer run and tech showings, in consultation with the WM
• Attend rack tour and load‑in for each production to facilitate the transition of costumes from the Shop to Wardrobe for tech, dress and performances
• Assist the WM in packing costumes for off‑campus productions

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience or training
• Minimum 1 year experience working in the costume field (stitching, wardrobe, Wigs, HMU)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Interest in and knowledge of theatrical costume construction techniques, wardrobe/wig maintenance
• Proficiency on industrial machines required
• Extremely detail oriented and paperwork-driven
• Must be able to work independently, take direction, move with urgency, remain diplomatic and calm in fast‑paced situations
• First Aid/CPR certified a plus
• Familiarity with Google Suite and/or similar formats for record‑keeping and communications is helpful

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• n/a

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Indoor environments, some with low light: costume shop, stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms.
• May work closely with student workers

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC:

• Some nights and weekends required
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and climb ladders up to 12ft
• Seated and standing positions, crouching, kneeling

ADMINISTRATIVE CONDITIONS:

• Final compensation offered is based on applicants’ experience, potential, level of specialization, and is determined by Berklee HR.
• Accepted candidates will join Berklee’s payroll and submit hours worked via Workday as appropriate.

Pay Rate: $22/hour

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:

Casual