Costume Design Assistant

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation’s third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners—Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art—there’s a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

Costume Shop Director

FLSA:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Employment Status:

Regular/Full time

POSITION Summary:

The Costume Shop Design Assistant works in collaboration with the Costume Director and Associate Costume Directors to assist and support the costume designers for the Alliance Theatre’s LORT B and D stages as well as Theatre for Young Audiences shows. The Design Assistant also works closely with the costume shop staff, wig master, wardrobe team, stage management, directors, choreographers, and performers to ensure a smooth process from preproduction through strike.

Work Schedule:

• Typically Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Large scale shows, fittings and technical rehearsal weeks may necessitate some evening and weekend hours.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Facilitate efficient communication between costume shop, wardrobe team and costume designers
• Read scripts and create costume plots, pieces lists, and tracking paperwork
• Source and purchase fabric, clothing, accessories and shop supplies for shows both online and locally
• Collect shipments throughout the work day
• Return unused garments, accessories and supplies in a timely and budget-conscious manner
• Schedule and facilitate costume and hair/wig fittings
• Schedule measurements and maintain measurement database
• Attend production meetings and tech rehearsals as needed
• Attend company, shop and campus wide meetings
• Assist with tech rehearsals and show strikes
• Track spending/finances and assist with budgetary record keeping
• Help maintain order in the fitting area, shop and stock areas
• Assist with pulling and restocking costumes from stock
• Assist with the packing of costume items for shows that will continue outside of the Alliance Theatre
• Communicate with designers and costume staff members about performers’ physical attributes in a respectful, neutral, and objective manner
• Participate in achieving the artistic goals of the Alliance Theatre

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience:

• Previous related experience in a theatrical costume shop
• Experience in basic theatrical costuming techniques, tools and machinery
• Theatrical costume design experience

Skills and Abilities:

• Excel in strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills
• Must be able to interpret and follow directions
• Must be able to work independently as well as with a team
• Must have proficient knowledge of the properties of various fabrics and their hand
• Must be able to identify the characteristics of various clothing time periods
• Must be proficient with Excel as well as other Microsoft Office programs
• Must be knowledgeable about basic accounting procedures
• Must be able to remain calm under pressure in a fast paced environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIROMENT:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Necessary accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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• Ability to drive a car with a valid driver’s license
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
• Ability to climb and work from ladders
• Ability to use hands in small and large motor tasks
• Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and light lifting (at least 40 pounds) is needed.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.