Cutter/Draper -PTC

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah in Salt Lake City is seeking a Costume Cutter/Draper for a full-time seasonal role. You will create patterns from a designer's drawings, cut fabric to the patterns, and support the realization of the designer's vision.

The role emphasizes pattern testing with muslins, fittings with actors, and collaboration with the design team. Applicants should have two years sewing experience in a costume shop and strong communication skills; position may lead to future seasons.

Qualifications

• Two years sewing in a costume shop or equivalency.
• Two years pattern drafting and draping experience.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

Responsibilities

• Meets with the designer to discuss rendering, fabrics, and design details.
• Asks questions about closures, linings, and design detail widths.
• Studies the rendering to determine pattern creation and muslin testing.
• After developing the pattern, a muslin is cut and given to a stitcher for sewing.
• An appointment is arranged with the actor to fit the muslin to the designer’s satisfaction.
• The Cutter/Draper does initial fitting and corrections.
• The pattern is corrected from the muslin fitting and fabrics are cut for a stitcher.
• The actor may have a second or third fitting; garment is finished.
• Stitches costumes when drafting and cutting are completed.
• Shares repair notes generated on the production.
• Assists a designer in fittings of ready-to-wear items.
• Keeps the shop and supplies tidy.

Skills

Sewing

Pattern drafting

Draping

Communication

Job description

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 07/19/2026

Job Summary

Using a costume designer’s drawing of a costume, creates the pattern and cuts the fabric (to that pattern) that will ultimately realize the designer’s intent. This is a full-time, seasonal position with no work available during the summer months, and includes a possibility of continued employment in future seasons.

Responsibilities

• Meets with the designer, who talks about the rendering, explaining design details, fabrics, problems (whether the outfit has to be gotten into or out of quickly, something is worn over or under the outfit, are common examples).
• Asks questions about the garment that the designer hasn’t covered (what type of closures, linings, width of design details, etc).
• Studies the rendering and determines the best method of creating a pattern and whether a mock up (commonly referred to as a muslin) needs to be made first, to test the pattern and its fit.
• After developing the pattern, a muslin is cut out and given to a stitcher for sewing.
• An appointment is arranged with the actor to fit the muslin to the designer’s satisfaction.
• The Cutter/Draper does the initial fitting/correction of the muslin and the designer makes any changes they deem necessary.
• The pattern is then corrected from the muslin fitting, and the fabrics are cut out and given to a stitcher.
• The actor has a second, and if needed, a third appointment to be fitted and the garment is finished.
• Stitches costumes when all drafting and cutting on a production is completed.
• Shares the repair noted generated on the production in the theatre.
• Assists, when needed, a designer in the fittings of ready-to-wear clothing items.
• Helps to keep the shop and the supplies tidy. This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of sewing in a costume shop or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); an additional two years pattern drafting and draping experience; and excellent oral and written communications skills required. An ability to work in a detail and deadline-oriented environment; and a commitment to the service excellence concept are also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page .

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members , a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]