Costume Studio Technician

Temporary

SA5452122

part-time 20-29 hours weekly

Non-Exempt

$21.50

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).

General Responsibilities

• Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
• Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
• Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
• Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

• Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
• Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
• Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
• Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
• Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
• Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
• Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
• Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed

• Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
• Ability to create patterns
• Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns

• Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
• Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
• Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive purchases and label any rental items
• With supervision, support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes and taking complete, concise alteration notes
• Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
• Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
• Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
• Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
• Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations– or have the judgment to call in advanced support as needed
• Quality control of completed alteration notes

• Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair and makeup
• Load, unload and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
• Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
• Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
• Create a plan for Laundry and Wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute specific laundry needs as assigned
• Ability to use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
• Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties

• Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
• Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
• Ability to apply and maintain wigs
• Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
• Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
• Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties

• Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
• Work well with students
• Reliable transportation to and from work
• Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
• Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
• Wear closed–toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
• Must wear “stage blacks” during all dress rehearsals and performances

• Access to a computer
• Working knowledge of Google Drive
• Costume crafting skills
• Theatrical makeup skills
• Wig styling and application
• Ability to use industrial and leather sewing machines, an overlock machine, hemming machine, dye vat
• Cutting and draping skills

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University can be found at www.chapman.edu/diversity.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.