Unit Manager – Costume Studio Supervisor

Major/Essential Functions

Technical and Shop Skills 

• Ability to execute and lead the construction, alteration, and fabrication of costumes, including patterning, draping, stitching, crafts, and accessories. 
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent production timelines while maintaining quality, organization, and safety standards. 

Costume Studio Management 

• Oversee and participate in the realization of garments, crafts, and accessories from design development through production completion, including tracking fabrication progress, labor allocation, and production timelines.  
• Manage studio workflow for costume, hair, and makeup elements associated with season productions in collaboration with faculty, staff, guest artists, and student crews.  
• Attend and manage all fittings.  
• Manage safe operations and maintenance of all studio equipment and machinery.  
• Maintain and manage an organized inventory of costume stock and storage on and off site.  

Leadership and Management Experience 

• Collaborate with School personnel to realize season productions. 
• Consult with the Production Manager on scope, labor, and resource allocation. 
• Educate, train, and supervise costume employees and student crews according to industry, institutional, and safety standards. 
• Supervise and manage all costume studio staff, including undergraduate and graduate production assistants and allotted payroll. 
• Attend and participate in season planning efforts, staff meetings, production meetings, postmortem assessments, and other production related meetings. 
• Establish and maintain clear expectations, communication practices, and working standards for all studio personnel. 
• Provide structured training and skill development opportunities for students within the production process. 
• Attend dress rehearsals. 
• Train and manage backstage operations in the areas of wardrobe, hair, and makeup. 

Physical and Logistic 

• Production schedules may occasionally require evening and weekend work during peak rehearsal and performance periods. 
• Transport costume stock to and from storage. 

Technical and Shop Skills 

• Proficiency in costume construction techniques, including patterning, draping, stitching, alteration, and costume crafts such as fabric dyeing, millinery.  

• Knowledge in wig styling and maintenance, stage makeup, garment care, restoration, and period and/or dance garment construction. 

• Experience in digital fabrication, such as fabric printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and other technologies. 

Software and Digital Proficiency 

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams, with familiarity in digital workflow systems, inventory tracking, or production management software preferred. 

Leadership and Management Experience 

• One or more years of professional experience supervising or managing a costume studio or shop for live entertainment or educational environment, with higher education experience and MFA or equivalent advanced training preferred.  

• Experience with conflict resolution techniques, personnel management, collaborative best practices, and cross-departmental collaboration.  

• Models professional standards, respect for all bodies and boundaries, and a demonstrated commitment to serving varied populations. 

1. Letter of Interest outlining how your experience and qualifications align with the position requirements 
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae 
3. Link to e-portfolio and other support documents (e.g.: shop paperwork, production paperwork, workflow systems, or organizational materials) 
4. A list of three to five references with contact information