Costume Designer

Salary/Position Classification

$34,500+ commensurate with experience, based on a 9-month contract (August 16–May 15). Salary for the initial contract will be prorated based on the start date.

40 hours per week

This position will work onsite the Grand Forks, ND campus.

Purpose of Position
The Costume Designer is an integral part of the Dept. of Theatre Arts and the production program. The Costume Designer is responsible for the design and construction of all costumes for department productions in accordance with professional standards for theatre and the accrediting agency, NAST. The Costume Designer designs six productions this year, developing costume concepts in coordination with directors and the production team, and oversees all costume builds from research and rendering through fittings and final construction. Students assist in the construction of costumes through practicum and work study. The Costume Designer supervises students in THEA 201 & 481 practicum courses, student lab hours, and work study students. The supervision includes managing student hours and instructing students in the use of all costume shop equipment, tools, and best practices in stitching, construction, and garment care. The Costume Designer manages the Costume Shop budget and handles all purchasing of fabrics, materials, and supplies needed to meet the needs of each production. The Costume Designer oversees the physical condition and organization of the costume shop and costume storage areas, including maintenance of the costume stock, and works with Facilities as needed to maintain the shop and support areas. The Costume Designer coordinates costume needs with the production calendar to ensure fittings, builds, and deliveries align with the rehearsal and performance schedule.

Duties & Responsibilities
Costume Design

Designs six productions per season

Develops costume concepts, conducts research, and creates renderings in coordination with directors and the production team

Attends production meetings and fittings

Coordinates costume needs with the production calendar to align fittings, builds, and deliveries with rehearsal and performance schedules.

Costume Construction and Shop Supervision

Oversee and execute all costume builds for department productions, from patterning and construction through fittings and final delivery

Maintain the physical condition and organization of the costume shop and storage areas, including upkeep of costume stock

Promotes preventive maintenance to maintain costume shop tools and machinery by performing and/or directing others to perform the routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the costume shop

Coordinate with Facilities on repairs and issues in the Costume Shop, as needed

Student Supervision and Instruction

Supervise and evaluate students in costume construction and correcting deficiencies for THEA 201 and THEA 481; provide student assessments to faculty. This position supports students' applied learning by facilitating meaningful experiential opportunities and ensuring adherence to professional standards and safety protocols. The position does not include responsibility for classroom instruction, curriculum development, grading of academic coursework, or serving as the instructor of record.

Schedule and manage students' costume shop practicum, lab, and work study hours.

Train students in costume shop equipment, construction techniques, best practices, and the proper and safe use of associated machinery.

Budget Management and Purchasing

Manage the Costume Shop budget in consultation with the department chair

Inventory and maintain a sufficient supply of materials in Costume Shop to meet production needs

Order all fabrics, materials, and supplies, as needed, to meet production needs in accordance with approved university purchasing policies

Required Competencies

Expertise in costume construction

Expertise in costume design

Expertise in computers

Expertise in organization and interpersonal communication

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience

Experience working in a costume shop

Experience designing for theatrical productions especially musical​s

Experience working with students

Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identityand eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience designing plays and musical​s

Experience with theatrical costume "tricks"

Sewing experience on Jukie sewing machines

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