Sewing & Alterations Associate

The Costumer; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The Costumer in Schenectady, NY is seeking a part-time costume fitter to sew, alter and repair costumes under the direction of the design and production team. You will assist in pulling costumes from the vault, writing descriptions, pressing and bagging, restocking, and preparing items for delivery to theatres.

Schedule is about 10–20 hours per week, on-site, with some weekends during busy seasons. Experience in sewing and pattern work is preferred, with attention to detail and ability to read

Qualifications

• Must have sewing and alteration experience in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to interpret measurements and adjust patterns accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

• Sew costumes with needle, thread and sewing machines.
• Alter hems and seams to improve fit on customers or mannequins.
• Record alterations and attach instructions to costumes.
• Restock costumes and pull items from vault for production needs.
• Support patterning, draping, dyeing and finishing processes as needed.
• Complete other duties assigned by supervisor.

Skills

Sewing proficiency

Attention to detail

Measurement interpretation

Flexibility

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Certificate/degree in costume-related field

Bachelor's/Associate degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

The Costumer is a 108 year-old costume rental and retail business. We are committed to advancing scholastic theatre with its transformative benefits—enhancing communication skills, boosting self-confidence, encouraging resilience, enhancing social skills, and fostering empathy and critical thinking. We take pride in being the costumer for thousands of productions annually.

Job description

Position:

In this role, you will fit, alter, repair, and assist in making made-to-measure costumes under the direction of the costume design and production lead and support the Production Team in pulling costumes from the vault, writing costume descriptions, pressing and bagging, and restocking costumes to prepare them for delivery to and return from theatres.

Responsibilities

• Sews costumes using needle and thread and sewing machines.
• Take up and let down hems to shorten or lengthen sleeves and hems.
• Let out or take in seams in costumes to improve fit.
• Assemble costume parts with basting stitches.
• Remove stitches from costumes using seam rippers or razor blades.
• Read tags and follow verbal directions to repair and alter costumes.
• Fit and study costumes on customers and mannequins to determine required alterations.
• Measure costume parts such as sleeves and pant legs and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
• Record required and completed alterations and instructions on tags and attach to costumes.
• Support other aspects of costume craft and construction, including patterning, draping, screen-printing, air-brushing, fabric dyeing, hand-painting, laundering, pressing, bagging, writing costume descriptions, and pulling and re-stocking costumes in costume vault.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor and senior management.

Requirements

• 3-5 years proven experience in sewing and making alterations in an environment where there are fast-paced and slow seasons or periods.
• Ability to take and make sense of measurements, even when customers fail to provide complete or accurate measurements.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions to complete alterations or construction.
• Proficient to advanced knowledge of costume or clothing construction, pattern making, draping, and sewing.
• Proficient to advanced experience in sewing techniques, including handwork, embroidery, and beading.
• Acute attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Demonstrated ability to measure, calculate, and mark measurements.
• Flexibility and willingness to work enthusiastically within constantly changing priorities.
• Bonus if you possess patterning, draping, soft sculpture, screen-printing, airbrushing, fabric dyeing, hand-painting, or prop construction skills.

Education

• High school diploma required; one-year certificate or bachelor's or associates degree from college or technical school preferred.

Schedule:

Part-time (approximately 10-20 hours/week between 9a and 5:30p), flexible schedule to meet business needs including some weekends during busy seasons

Work Location:

In person in Schenectady, NY

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Sews costumes using needle and thread and sewing machines.
• Take up and let down hems to shorten or lengthen sleeves and hems.
• Let out or take in seams in costumes to improve fit.
• Assemble costume parts with basting stitches.
• Remove stitches from costumes using seam rippers or razor blades.
• Read tags and follow verbal directions to repair and alter costumes.
• Fit and study costumes on customers and mannequins to determine required alterations.
• Measure costume parts such as sleeves and pant legs and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
• Record required and completed alterations and instructions on tags and attach to costumes.
• Support other aspects of costume craft and construction, including patterning, draping, screen-printing, air-brushing, fabric dyeing, hand-painting, laundering, pressing, bagging, writing costume descriptions, and pulling and re-stocking costumes in costume vault.
• Other duties as assigned by manager and senior management.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function or duty satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements and responsibilities are representative, but not exhaustive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.

Education & Experience:

• 2-4 years of related experience and training in managing customer service
• Excellent customer service skills.
• 1-3 years managing or supporting sales or marketing leaders in delivering products/services based on customer orders.
• Knowledge of theatre production, especially backoffice, directing, and costuming.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and training direct reports/subordinates.
• Good judgement and ability to make timely, sound decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in an environment with constantly changing priorities.
• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• Demonstrates professional behavior and collegial communication with people at all levels and from various backgrounds at all times.
• Proficient computer skills, especially when using business software (e.g. Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word); ability to learn new enterprise and business software.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and maintain accurate, well-organized records and workflows.