Costume Maker

Definition

Makes, renovates, alters, and repairs costumes used in a college theater arts program.

Typical Duties

Makes costumes and stage properties by hand or on a sewing machine.

Cleans, irons, renovates, alters, repairs, and tailors costumes.

Issues and receives costumes, accessories, and stage properties for student use; keeps records, and effects the return of supplies checked out to students.

Stores and maintains inventories of costumes and accessories and prepares periodic inventory reports.

Effectively utilizes the capabilities and functions of standard computer software applications in the performance of duties.

Operates, maintains, and makes minor adjustments and repairs on sewing machines including oiling and cleaning machines.

Assists instructors in demonstrating the use of sewing machines and hand sewing techniques to students.

Makes and modifies patterns for costumes.

Cuts yardage.

Provides work direction to students in the making, repairing, and storing of costumes.

Meets with theatrical production directors to discuss costume requirements for productions.

Fits costumes and dresses participants at rehearsals and performances.

Orders, purchases, and aquires yardage, costume pieces, and other costume-making supplies.

Assists in repairing stage fabrics such as curtains and drapery.

May assist with work related to department business such as document creation and editing, time keeping, answering telephone inquiries and posting updated information on Web pages, as needed.

May design costumes and stage properties and make appopriate revisions to ensure costs are within production budget constraints.

May provide training and work direction to student employees and / or volunteers.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Costume Maker makes, renovates, alters, and repairs costumes used in a theater arts program.

A Performing Arts Technician coordinates and performs technical work required in the maintenance of a theater or TV and film stage and production areas or music and dance concert hall, and assists instructors in the conduct of technical production classes for theater, or TV film and broadcast performances.

Supervision

General supervision is received from a academic supervisor. Functional supervision may be received from instructional staff. Work direction may be provided to student employees and / or volunteers.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of :

Principles of costume construction and design

Machine and hand sewing techniques for constructing, repairing, and altering costumes

Color combinations, materials, and styles used for costumes and stage properties

Materials and equipment used in costume construction

Safety precautions, practices, and procedures applicable to costume construction

Capabilities of computer systems, software, and hardware common to costume construction and design

Recordkeeping procedures

Skill in :

Operation of sewing machines and attachments

Sewing by hand

Ability to :

Operate, explain, and demonstrate the proper and safe utilization of sewing equipment

Clean, iron, and repair fabrics

Design costumes

Keep detailed and precise records of costume inventories and distribution

Make patterns and cut yardage in accordance with patterns

Fit and tailor costumes

Work effectively and cooperatively with students and instructional staff

Give clear and concise instructions

Maintain an inventory of costumes and supplies

Keep detailed and precise records

Effectively utilize computer hardware and software applications

Learn general and specialized software applications

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience :

A. An associate degree or its equivalent from a recognized college or university with a major in costume design or a related field.

OR

B. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND a certificate of completion in costume making from a recognized college or university.

OR

C. Graduation from high school or its equivalent AND two years of full-time, paid experience in making or altering dresses or costumes.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• 19 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes : bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

Selection Process

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and / or oral interview.