Lead Draper

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

TheatreWorks Silicon Valley in Redwood City, CA seeks a Lead Draper to oversee costume patterning, cutting, and construction, leading a team to implement the Designer’s vision within budget and schedule.

This full-time, hourly role requires at least 5 years of professional theatre experience, strong patterns, and collaboration with Costume Director while ensuring performer comfort and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of draping and patterning experience at a professional-level theatre.
• Experience with period costume patterning and construction techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage costume shop operations which include overseeing construction, alteration and modification of ready-to-wear to meet the production needs on schedule and on budget.
• Collaborate with the Costume Director and Costume Designer to interpret costume renderings, discussing possible materials and methods used to achieve designs.
• Create original custom-fit patterns using draping, flat-patterning and tailoring techniques.Retain and organize reuseable patterns.
• Supervise the work of First Hand/Asst. Cutter and Overhire Drapers, Stitchers and occasionally Interns/Volunteers while ensuring and participating in the construction of a wide range of complex and specialized costumes and craft pieces.
• Fit costumes and accessories on a wide range of actors with expertise in period silhouette and sensitivity to body-image and comfort of the performer.
• Be knowledgeable about all types of fabric, trims and notions and their qualities to advise the Designer’s choices to best realize the vision of the production design.

Skills

Draping

Patterning

Project management

Education

College degree or technical certificate in theatre costume or clothing construction

Job description

Position Overview:

The Lead Draper will oversee costume patterning, cutting and supervise construction. This role is a key leadership position for costume production and fulfilling the Designer’s vision within budget and time constraints while maintaining our high-quality standards and attention to the needs of the performers.

Employment Type:

Full-time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Reports to:

Costume Director

Start Date:

January 2027.

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1970 by Robert Kelley (Artistic Director Emeritus), TheatreWorks has grown from a truly original Silicon Valley start-up to become the Peninsula’s leading professional nonprofit theatre company. In 2019, TheatreWorks was honored to receive the Regional Theatre Tony Award. Now under the leadership of Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli and Executive Director Phil Santora, TheatreWorks presents a wide variety of contemporary plays and musical, as well as revitalizing great works of the past. We are champions of new work, offering artists support and a creative home as they develop exciting new stories for the American theatre. Offstage, arts education programs in our schools and arts engagement programs in our neighborhoods uplift our audiences and strengthen community bonds. For additional information visitwww.theatreworks.org.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage costume shop operations which include overseeing construction, alteration and modification of ready-to-wear to meet the production needs on schedule and on budget.
• Collaborate with the Costume Director and Costume Designer to interpret costume renderings, discussing possible materials and methods used to achieve designs.
• Create original custom-fit patterns using draping, flat-patterning and tailoring techniques.Retain and organize reuseable patterns.
• Supervise the work of First Hand/Asst. Cutter and Overhire Drapers, Stitchers and occasionally Interns/Volunteers while ensuring and participating in the construction of a wide range of complex and specialized costumes and craft pieces.
• Fit costumes and accessories on a wide range of actors with expertise in period silhouette and sensitivity to body-image and comfort of the performer.
• Strong mastery of all costume shop machines and equipment (including but not limited to industrial straight stitch and zigzag machines, industrial overlock machines, industrial steam irons and steamers).Be familiar with all shop and machine safety procedures and help instruct supervisees in safe use of all appropriate equipment.
• Be knowledgeable about all types of fabric, trims and notions and their qualities to advise the Designer’s choices to best realize the vision of the production design.
• Willingness and flexibility to work occasion evenings, weekends/holidays when production schedule requires it at TheatreWorks’ partner venues (Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Lucie Stern Theatre, Fox Theatre, etc.).
• Consistently embody the mission and values of TheatreWorks in a professional, thoughtful, and collaborative manner. Be a team player with TheatreWorks internal company members, production personnel, performers and all external venue staff.
• Attend run-through rehearsals, dress rehearsals, Full Staff meetings as required.
• Other duties as assigned by the Costume Director.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Minimum of 5 years of draping and patterning experience at a professional-level theatre, with demonstrated project management skills.College degree or technical certificate in theatre costume or clothing construction.
• Experience in period costume patterning and construction techniques. Familiarity with costume history and theatre production.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to problem-solve.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience with basic computer Windows Suite, Teams, Zoom skills.
• Passion for the arts, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Physically be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, operate sewing machines and irons, occasionally lift/push/pull up to 25 lbs.
• Must provide documents that establish identity as well as employment authorization in the USA.

Compensation Range:

$30-33 per hour; 40 hours per week.