On-Call, Costume Shop Assistant

Position Title:

On-Call, Costume Shop Assistant

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$25.05 - $30.05 per hour; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

A. POSITION PURPOSE

The Costume Assistant assists in the execution of costume designs for departmental productions through patterning, construction, alterations, and costume maintenance. Working closely with the Costume Shop Manager, designers, and student staff, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process.

 B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Costume construction and alterations 

• Perform costume construction tasks as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager,

• Act as Cutter/Draper as needed.

• Act as First Hand as needed,

• Act as stitcher as needed

• Act as craftsperson as needed

• Perform costume alterations for department productions as coordinated by the Costume Shop Manager

• Complete construction tasks in the costume shop according to a schedule coordinated with the Costume Shop Manager - typically Monday-Friday between 1pm and 6pm. 

2.   Training Student Crew

• Work with the Costume Shop Manager to assist in training student shop crew in costume construction skills.

• Supervise work study and costume student assistants in the builds and alterations necessary to produce costumes for productions.

C.   PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

• Aligned with best practices in the field, educate, guide and supervise students on appropriate technique during use of sewing, dying or mending equipment and construction or repair of costumes

• Coordinates with the Costume Shop Manager for construction work flow.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Recommends construction and alteration techniques to achieve the desired designs.

• Conveys construction techniques to other costume shop members to facilitate the garment’s construction.

• Identifies potential functional issues caused by materials or construction techniques.

E.   QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

1. Knowledge

• Advanced sewing skills, working with a variety of textiles and sewing machines required

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of costume construction and costume crafts,

• An understanding of the work flow in both professional and educational costume shops.

• An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desired

• Knowledge of historical period costume designs, patterns and materials.

2. Skills

• Time management

• Clear communication with both professionals and students

• Skills in patterning and/or draping

• Skills in cutting various textiles

• Skills in sewing using hand sewing, domestic machines, industrial machines, overlock machines

• Skills in costume construction tools such as industrial irons, steamers, dye vats, etc. 

• Skills in fitting both mock up and final garments to bodies of all sizes, statures, and genders. 

• Skills in craftwork, such as dying, painting, and distressing.

 3. Abilities

• Ability to visualize 2D designs and line drawings translate to 3D construction. 

• Ability to collaborate with the costume shop manager and designer to realize the costume vision for a production.

• Ability to maintain high levels of detail regarding silhouette, measurements, color and pattern matching, and trim placement.

• ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an  inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace. 

4. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in theatre, preferred

5. Years of Experience

• 0-2 years of professional costuming experience, required.

F.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities.  A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Able to carry 20lb items.

• Able to stand for periods of time (2-4 hours) at the cutting table.  

G.   WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Mostly shared workshop environment with windows.

• Workshop with costume equipment noise.

• Workshop with frequent interruptions.

• Collaborative and often fast-paced periods to adhere to production schedules.

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.  For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at  https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. 

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at (408) 554-4441. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.  Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [email protected] or by phone at (408)554-4392. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [email protected].