Costume Designer

SUMMARY OF POSITION The Costume Supervisor is a year-round staff position responsible for overseeing costume and wardrobe operations for Metropolis productions. The position supports all phases of production, from pre-production through strike, ensuring costumes are prepared, maintained, and executed to professional standards. The Costume Supervisor collaborates with costume designers, production staff, and stage management while managing wardrobe operations, costume inventory, wardrobe facilities, budgets, and wardrobe personnel. This role ensures the efficient, safe, and consistent operation of the costume department in support of Metropolis productions and programs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Pre-Production Collaborate with Production Management, Costume Designers, and Wardrobe Team on all costume and wardrobe issues. Maintain clear communication with costume designers, directors, and other departments to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly. Work within the wardrobe budget, including tracking expenses and ordering supplies. Conduct regular inspections of costumes to check for any damage or wear and tear. Attend production meetings to stay informed about the overall vision and any changes that may affect the wardrobe. Attend MPAC Production Department meetings weekly to stay informed about institutional concerns and upcoming events. Participate in technical rehearsals to ensure costumes function as intended and make necessary adjustments. Work closely with the wardrobe and stage management teams to coordinate costume changes and manage backstage logistics. Ensure that all wardrobe practices comply with health and safety regulations. Conduct risk assessments for wardrobe-related activities and implement safety protocols as needed. Serve as a point of contact for the wardrobe team regarding costume-related inquiries and concerns. Work with the costume designer and wardrobe supervisor to maintain detailed records of costume inventories, including measurements, alterations, and any changes made during the production. Production Work with the designers and wardrobe team to create a proper cleaning schedule for all garments, ensuring that laundry and dry cleaning are done on a regular basis between performances. Manage the care and proper maintenance of all costumes, shoes, undergarments, hats and costume related personal props such as gloves, jewelry, parasols, fans and pocket books. Work with the costume designer and wardrobe team to ensure the proper labeling, hanging, storage and of costumes. Work with the wardrobe team, stage management and performers to monitor the cleanliness of the dressing rooms and green room space. The wardrobe supervisor also regularly inventories and inspects all costumes and coordinates all costume repairs. Assure that all undergarments provided by the theater are in good condition and clean before distributed to actors. Post-Production At the end of a production run, the wardrobe supervisor oversees all aspects of the costume strike. In the case of rented costumes, they coordinate restoring costumes to their original condition. This includes ripping out hems or alterations that may have been done for fitting, and removing any added trim or ornamentation. MPAC Costume Inventory and Wardrobe Spaces Maintain Metropolis’s costume storage space by keeping items orderly and easy to find. Maintain Metropolis’s dressing rooms and greenroom spaces by keeping them clean and orderly. Maintain Metropolis’s onsite wardrobe machines and supplies. Labor Management Work with the Costume Designer to delineate and clarify duties between the designer and MPAC staff. (Costume designers are responsible for pulling from MPAC stock and acquiring costumes outside of MPAC stock. However, online orders and rental contracts are managed by Production Management.) Maintain a working list of qualified wardrobe crew members, costume stitchers, wig artisans, etc. If time allows, participate in alterations. Manage the hiring of overhire stitchers within the labor budget of each production. QUALIFICATIONS Minimum 3 – 5 years of professional experience in theatrical wardrobe, costume supervision, or costume construction (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of garment construction, alterations, costume maintenance, laundry techniques, fabric care, and costume repair. Experience supervising wardrobe crews, stitchers, dressers, or volunteers in a theatrical environment. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple productions and deadlines simultaneously. Experience managing costume inventories, budgets, and production-related expenses. Ability to read costume plots, dressing lists, and production paperwork. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, directors, performers, stage management, and production staff. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced live performance environment. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace. Knowledge of health and safety practices related to theatrical wardrobe operations. Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and irregular hours as required by production schedules. Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and stand or move for extended periods during rehearsals and performances. Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and 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 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, layoffs, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr