Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Job Description:

The Assistant Costume Shop Manager at Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) assists the Costume Shop Manager (CSM) in the execution of costume designs for select BCB productions. The Assistant Costume Shop Manager assists with production schedules, designer communications, shop processes and policies; helps oversee the daily shop operations and season planning for theater, dance, and opera productions; and oversees all costume shop activity in the absence of the Costume Shop Manager.

As part of the Performance Services department, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager reports to the Costume Shop Manager; works closely with the stage managers, technical directors, and full Production team; collaborates closely with deans, division chairs, faculty, students, and guest designers and directors. The Assistant Costume Shop Manager supervises the costume shop staff, overhire Costume Production Technicians, Interns and student workers. This is an hourly, non-exempt position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Supports the evaluation and execution of designs for select BCB productions across theater, dance and opera

● Assists the CSM in coordinating all costuming, hair and makeup needs for productions

● Represents Costumes at scheduled production meetings, in consultation with CSM. Prepares appropriate updates and information for production meetings and follows up on action items

● Monitors costume execution against artistic and production deadlines and project timelines

● Helps mainstage Costume Designers and Assistants source and shop for garments and materials for BCB productions.

● Assists the CSM in supervising in-house build crews and in overseeing the execution of contracted projects

● Supports the CSM in hiring new staff, students, interns, and Costume Production Technicians

● Supports the CSM in monitoring designer budgets & spending per production

● Oversees the student worker schedule

● Facilitates the training of student workers in costume organization, construction and alteration.

● Monitors daily operations of the costume shop

● Ensures proper safety measures and cleaning/maintenance protocols are communicated and observed in all shop and stock spaces

● Coordinates fittings schedules, in close partnership with designers, stage management, and performers. Attends costume fittings as needed to assist Designers in marking and notating costume alterations

● Attend dress rehearsals as assigned for troubleshooting, evaluation, and designer coordination, in consultation with the CSM

● Coordinates performer measurement processes and data

● Coordinates drycleaning pick-up and return with external vendors for each main stage production

● Assists the CSM and Costume Stock Manager with stock organization and pulling, as needed.

● Oversees shop staff in the inventory of supplies, stock fabrics, notions, and office materials. Assists the CSM with equipment upkeep, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement.

● Researches and supports staff development opportunities

● Contribute to the future planning and strategy of the BCB Costume Shop

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

● Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

● Minimum 2 years experience as a Costume Shop Manager or Assistant Costume Shop Manager

● Must excel in all areas of costuming including: draping/patterning, sewing, dye/craftwork, sewing knit fabrics/dancewear, and wardrobe supervision.

● Prior experience required in teaching or training students or volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

● Competency in all aspects of Costume operations in theater, dance and opera

● Proficiency on industrial machines required

● First Aid/CPR certified a plus

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

● Driver’s license and clean driving record required

● Ability to work independently and as a supervisor

● Extremely detail oriented and paperwork-driven

● Ability to work well under pressure and with large groups of diverse personalities and priorities

● Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Costume shop staff: Draper/Stitchers, Stock Manager Wardrobe Manager, Costume Shop Interns

● Student workers

● Overhire Production Technicians (Dressers, Wardrobe Assistants, Stitchers, Hair and Makeup Technicians etc)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

● Indoor environments, some with low light: costume shop, stages, backstage areas, dressing rooms.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC:

● Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required

● Some nights and weekends required

● Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and climb ladders up to 12ft

● Seated and standing positions, crouching, kneeling

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

Hiring Range: $27.00-32.50/hour; rate dependent on relevant experience and education.

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This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee:

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at hroperations@Berklee.edu or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:

Staff