Costume Designer (part-time)

Durham Academy Upper School is seeking a creative and experienced costume designer/wardrobe supervisor to join our acclaimed high school theatre program for the 2026-27 season. We welcome candidates available for both productions, as well as those available for only one production.

Schedule:

Fall Play: Pride and Prejudice (Kate Hamill version)
Rehearsal period: September 2 - October 15, 2026
Tech/Dress rehearsals: October 17-21, 2026
Performances: October 22-24, 2026

Winter Musical: TBD
Rehearsal period: November 9, 2026 - February 11, 2027
Includes one-week Thanksgiving break two-week winter holiday break

Tech/Dress rehearsals: February 12-17, 2027
Performances: February 18-20, 2027

Responsibilities:

Design costume concepts and plots for each production
Source, purchase and/or construct costumes within established budgets
Supervise and mentor a group of student costume/wardrobe assistants (grades 9-12)
Work with student crew 1-2 times per week during rehearsal period
Supervise tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals and wardrobe/dressing room during performances

Collaborate effectively with directors, production team, technical crew and performers
Manage costume fittings, alterations and maintenance throughout rehearsals and performances
Qualifications:

Proven experience in costume design for theatrical productions
Demonstrated experience working with and mentoring student technical crews
Strong organizational and project management skills
Experience costuming large ensemble musical productions preferred
Collaborative working style and excellent communication skills
Familiarity with educational theatre environments preferred
Compensation:

Design fee to be negotiated based on scope of each production
Additional hourly rate for onsite supervision of student costume/wardrobe crew
To apply: Send a resume and cover letter to Director and Fine Arts Academic Leader James Bohanek at james.bohanek@da.org.

DA Employees

Are culturally competent and believe in the central importance of diversity and equity in the life of a school community.
Can work independently with minimal supervision and routinely prioritize multiple tasks.
Have the ability to work in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness and attention to detail.
Are personable, collaborative and able to develop rapport quickly with a variety of individuals.
Use technology thoughtfully and creatively.
Innovate and experiment to find novel and efficient ways to complete tasks and solve problems.

Our School

Founded in 1933, Durham Academy is an all-gender, independent day school with 1,267 students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12 on three campuses. The purpose of a Durham Academy education is to prepare each student to live a moral, happy and productive life. DA's Strategic Vision commits to preparing students for life, meeting the needs of our learners and innovating more boldly, with a foundation broadening and deepening our work with diversity, equity and engagement. Our DA is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Durham Academy is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC) and the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

Diversity, Equity and Engagement Mission Statement

Diversity enlivens, improves and enriches the intellectual and social environment of an academic community and encompasses all aspects of humanity including racial identity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age and gender identity. We are committed to an ongoing process to increase the diversity of our community and to implement policies, programs and practices under which all members of our community feel welcomed, empowered, responsible and safe. Amidst our diversity we stand united in the pursuit of academic excellence and development of individual capabilities. Find out more about DA's commitment to diversity, equity and engagement here.

(Adopted by the Durham Academy Board of Trustees in 2004 and updated in 2008)

Our Employment Policy

Durham Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.