Costume Designer

On-Call, Costume Shop AssistantThe Costume Assistant assists in the execution of costume designs for departmental productions through patterning, construction, alterations, and costume maintenance. Working closely with the Costume Shop Manager, designers, and student staff, this position helps maintain an organized and productive shop environment while supporting student learning and the production process.1. Costume construction and alterationsPerform costume construction tasks as coordinated by the Costume Shop ManagerAct as Cutter/Draper as neededAct as First Hand as neededAct as stitcher as neededAct as craftsperson as neededPerform costume alterations for department productions as coordinated by the Costume Shop ManagerComplete construction tasks in the costume shop according to a schedule coordinated with the Costume Shop Manager - typically Monday-Friday between 1pm and 6pm.2. Training Student CrewWork with the Costume Shop Manager to assist in training student shop crew in costume construction skills.Supervise work study and costume student assistants in the builds and alterations necessary to produce costumes for productions.Aligned with best practices in the field, educate, guide and supervise students on appropriate technique during use of sewing, dying or mending equipment and construction or repair of costumes. Coordinates with the Costume Shop Manager for construction work flow.Recommends construction and alteration techniques to achieve the desired designs. Conveys construction techniques to other costume shop members to facilitate the garment's construction. Identifies potential functional issues caused by materials or construction techniques.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.1. KnowledgeAdvanced sewing skills, working with a variety of textiles and sewing machines requiredComprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of costume construction and costume crafts,An understanding of the work flow in both professional and educational costume shops.An understanding of and appreciation for teaching theatre within a liberal arts context desiredKnowledge of historical period costume designs, patterns and materials.2. SkillsTime managementClear communication with both professionals and studentsSkills in patterning and/or drapingSkills in cutting various textilesSkills in sewing using hand sewing, domestic machines, industrial machines, overlock machinesSkills in costume construction tools such as industrial irons, steamers, dye vats, etc.Skills in fitting both mock up and final garments to bodies of all sizes, statures, and genders.Skills in craftwork, such as dying, painting, and distressing.3. AbilitiesAbility to visualize 2D designs and line drawings translate to 3D construction.Ability to collaborate with the costume shop manager and designer to realize the costume vision for a production.Ability to maintain high levels of detail regarding silhouette, measurements, color and pattern matching, and trim placement.Ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within an inclusive multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.4. EducationBachelor's degree in theatre, preferred5. Years of Experience0-2 years of professional costuming experience, required.The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.Able to carry 20lb items.Able to stand for periods of time (2-4 hours) at the cutting table.Mostly shared workshop environment with windows. Workshop with costume equipment noise. Workshop with frequent interruptions. Collaborative and often fast-paced periods to adhere to production schedules. Telecommute. Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.