Part-Time Theatre Costume Designer & Mentor

Buckingham Browne Nichols School; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 116,000; Part time

Job summary

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is seeking a part-time Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager for the 2026-2027 season. The role supports theater productions with artistic and technical expertise, mentoring student crews and coordinating wardrobe within budget constraints.

The position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, with dress rehearsals and weekend production weeks required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Experience designing costumes for theatrical productions across a range of historical periods, styles, and genres.
• Strong sewing and garment construction skills for theatrical applications, including pattern reading and creation, alteration, hand sewing, and machine sewing.
• Ability to teach students and support a costume build and run crew of 6 to 8 with varying skill levels.

Responsibilities

• Mentor student costume build and run crews throughout the production process, modeling professionalism, creativity, and collaboration.
• Collaborate with Theater Director and production team to ensure costume designs align with artistic vision and technical requirements.
• Build, sew, source, and alter all costume elements within the approved production budget with strong construction skills.
• Plan and supervise all costume fittings, ensuring proper fit and performance readiness before dress rehearsals.
• Attend all dress rehearsals and performances to manage costume operations and assist performers with changes.
• Lead the costume strike, cleaning and laundering pieces, and organizing return/storage of all items.
• Participate in production meetings and communicate clearly with the Director, production team, and staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Costume design

Student mentoring

Collaboration

Sewing & pattern reading

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Buckingham Browne & Nichols School is seeking a part-time Costume Designer/Costume Shop Manager for the 2026-2027 season. The role supports theater productions with artistic and technical expertise, mentoring student crews and coordinating wardrobe within budget constraints.

The position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA, with dress rehearsals and weekend production weeks required.