This position assists Draper/pattern maker with costume builds, fittings, and alterations from the build start date through opening for all productions. The first hand manages costume alterations and garment construction as assigned. In addition, this position works directly with the Costume Shop Manager and Cutters to supervise, instruct and assign work to student workers and overhire stitchers and maintain the costume shop and its facilities.

Specific Responsibilities:

• PRODUCTION PREPARATION: Read scripts in order to have knowledge of the needs of each production and to be able to provide input to the creative process.
• Attend all necessary design presentations, staff meetings, production meetings, and preparation sessions. Confer with drapers and supervisor to assist in the creation of the build schedule, fitting schedule and stitching assignments. Assist in measuring actors and maintain the measurement sheets in online show bible.
• DESIGN PROCESS: Assist in the selection of costume build materials and calculation of yardages. Help provide innovative solutions in the research, development and creation of unusual specialty items as called for in the scripts.
• CONSTRUCTION PROCESS: Work with designers, faculty design mentors, cutter/drapers and costume shop supervisor to establish priorities and provide expertise for the construction and/or altering of all costume builds for each production within budgetary and time constraints. Assist cutter/drapers with fabric preparation, sample construction and creating supplemental patterns. Attend fittings and assist as requested by cutter/drapers and shop supervisor. Construct costumes assigned by cutter/ drapers or shop supervisor and complete alterations with a high level of craftsmanship and efficiency.
• SUPERVISION/MANAGERIAL: In conjunction with the Costume Shop Manager and Cutters, organize and manage the work of Graduate Assistants, work-study students, and undergraduate crews in costume production and costume rentals. Oversee student work progress with the intention of meeting production deadlines. Instruct and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in the proper use of all costume shop equipment and procedures. Provide input regarding workflow, need for temporary employees, and improvements in the production process, equipment, and facilities.
• REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES: Help check in costumes for first tech of each production. Complete any show notes during tech and run of each show.
• Assist in the restoration of all costumes after each production closes. This includes dry cleaning, shipping, restocking and overseeing the completion of strike.
• FACILITIES/EQUIPMENT: Assist in the organization, re-stock and maintenance of costume shop resources including garments, fabric and notions, tools, supplies and equipment. In conjunction with the members of the shop staff, assist in maintaining and improving the areas of the physical plant directly related to costumes such as the shop, storage space, dressing and make-up rooms and laundry facilities. Oversee the safe operation, security and cleanliness of the shop areas including storage and laundry facilities.
• Duties listed below are executed on an as needed basis and are not consistent, therefore they are grouped together and given a rating of 5%
• Execute non-Wirtz /University costume projects as time allows in cooperation with other staff members.
• Attend training sessions in CPR annually and First Aid as required.
• Provides insight for annual reviews and update of this job description.
• Participates in Cutter/Design meetings
• Organize and maintain show information into online database.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree or its equivalent in a related discipline and a minimum of 3 years professional costume experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• A general knowledge of theatre, theatre production and costume design process.
• Basic pattern drafting, draping skills and pattern alteration/grading
• Experience with garment cutting
• Skills in using home, commercial, and blind-hem sewing machines.
• Advanced construction skills and associated techniques.
• Supervisory experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to organize and establish priorities for the work of others. Ability to manage and lead others.
• Organizational and administrative skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five+ years professional costume shop experience.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Advanced knowledge of costume construction, costume design process and its related techniques.
• Tailoring skills
• Experience with student performers

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.