Senior Costume Shop Coordinator - VCUarts Department Theatre (non-benefited)

VCUarts Department of Theatre
Senior Costume Shop Coordinator

The Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) invites applications for a Senior Costume Shop Coordinator to provide skilled labor as well as student mentorship and supervision in support of the Department of Theatre's costume shop operation. The Senior Costume Shop Coordinator's typical responsibilities will include costume construction with an emphasis on formal sewing skills while creating costumes for the department's productions. Leadership responsibilities will include supervision of a Costume Shop Coordinator and occasional supervision of students working in the costume shop. Other duties will include supporting students and over-hire stitchers, shop/stock organization, and cleaning. The Senior Costume Shop Coordinator will work independently and as part of a team; exercise independent judgment for routine issues, referring complex issues to a higher level for resolution; and work under general supervision. The Senior Costume Shop Coordinator reports to the Costume Shop Manager (faculty).

Typical Duties:

• Supervisor Costume Shop Coordinator
• Supervise and assist students of various skill levels with assigned costume shop projects
• Maintain safe working practices with students working and/or studying in the costume shop
• Costume Construction: machine and hand stitching; basic patterning; fabric cutting; alterations
• Clean, organize and perform minor repair and preventative maintenance of costume shop and associated tools
• Responsible for promptly responding to work requests in area(s) of expertise

Qualifications:

• Experience and proficiency at operating industrial and domestic sewing machines and sergers
• High school diploma or GED with 1 to 3 years of relevant experience, education, and training. An undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in Theatre field is preferred.
• Proficiency in domestic and professional sewing equipment
• Basic fabric/pattern cutting skills
• Experience preparing sewing projects for stitchers of varying skill levels
• Understand costume construction techniques
• Effective supervisory skills, communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, collaboration-minded
• Excellent time management
• Reliable and independent worker
• Supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Patterning and draping experience
• Experience in a professional or educational costume shop/tailor shop
• Experience with fabrication techniques: knitting, crafts, leather, etc.
• Experience with stage makeup, prosthetics, and wigs
  

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.

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