Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Constructs, in a structured period of time, any number of costumes from historical period to the present day including imaginary and visionary characters created by the designer. Creates hats, jewelry, armor, shoes, etc., to achieve a complete visual picture for the designers, actors, directors, and the audience.

Qualifications

A minimum of three years of sewing experience using various types of sewing machines and hand work or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); a knowledge in textiles, dying, scheduling, and theatrical design; excellent oral and written communications skills; and an ability to work in a detail and deadline-oriented environment required. A commitment to the service excellence concept also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Constructs the costumes by stitching together the cut out parts of the pattern using an industrial sewing machine and hand stitching.
2. Prepares and treats fabric by dyeing, painting or stenciling designs on the fabric to create different effects.
3. Constructs foundation garments sometimes using bone and medal to help in creating the correct silhouette for the period.
4. May perform millinery work in creating hats, crowns, or other headgear to coordinate with the costumes.
5. May perform craft work including any number of different tasks such as making armor, repairing shoes, creating jewelry, etc. to coordinate with the costumes.vMay go through the costume storage area pulling costume pieces that might be used or could be remade to work.
6. Alterations are made to existing costumes to fit the current actor. Often clothing can be purchased for a play and these must also be altered to fit the actor.
7. Many times a costume must look worn and/or dirty. This is done by painting in the stains or the wear, and occasionally breaking down the fabric.
8. Attends fittings to see that a costume fits an actor properly, and if not what needs to be changed or corrected.
9. May perform fine hand sewing to repair antique costumes, change details such as adding trims, buttons, appliques, etc.
10. Presses and spot-clean costumes using iron and cleaning fluid.
11. Assists in cleaning of work space and restocking of supplies in order to keep work area orderly.
12. May assist in the shopping for supplies and inventory needed for a particular production.
13. May give tours as requested by the Supervisor.

Problem Solving

One problem encountered by this position might include the construction of multiple costumes to fit one actor and ensure that they are completed by the required deadline. Another problem is how to create specific illusions on costumes using fabric, paint and other materials. Still a third is how to construct costumes for fast changes and still be true to the design of the period.

Comments

This position may be subject to call and might involve work on a holiday when a production is in dress rehearsals.