Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Takes a costume designer's drawing of a costume, creates the pattern and cuts the fabric (to that pattern) that will ultimately realize the designer's intent.

Qualifications

Two years of sewing in a costume shop or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); an additional two years pattern drafting and draping experience; and excellent oral and written communications skills required. An ability to work in a detail and deadline-oriented environment; and a commitment to the service excellence concept are 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. Meets with the designer, who talks about the rendering, explaining design details, fabrics, problems (whether the outfit has to be gotten into or out of quickly, something is worn over or under the outfit, are common examples).
2. Asks questions about the garment that the designer hasn't covered (what type of closures, linings, width of design details, etc).
3. Studies the rendering and determines the best method of creating a pattern and whether a mock up (commonly referred to as a muslin) needs to be made first, to test the pattern and its fit.
4. After developing the pattern, a muslin is cut out and given to a stitcher for sewing.
5. An appointment is arranged with the actor to fit the muslin to the designer's satisfaction.
6. The Cutter/Draper does the initial fitting/correction of the muslin and the designer makes any changes they deem necessary.
7. The pattern is then corrected from the muslin fitting, and the fabrics are cut out and given to a stitcher.
8. The actor has a second, and if needed, a third appointment to be fitted and the garment is finished.
9. Stitches costumes when all drafting and cutting on a production is completed.
10. Shares the repair noted generated on the production in the theatre.
11. Assists, when needed, a designer in the fittings of ready-to-wear clothing items.
12. Helps to keep the shop and the supplies tidy.

Problem Solving

This position has no authority over any other individual.

Problems encountered by this position might include finding the best method to create a pattern from the designer's rendering and how best to test the pattern and its fit. Other examples are either how to deal with a mistake, in cutting or stitching a garment or how to accommodate 2 yards of pattern on a 1+ yard of material.

Comments

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