Responsible for the construction and altering of costumes for theatre and opera/musical theatre productions; supervise ­with costume rentals, organization and maintenance of costume equipment, facilities, and inventory; and assisting supervision of students in costume production. The Costume Technician typically works early August through early May each year.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Demonstrate an attitude and behavior that reflects the values and mission of the department and University

• Assist in execution of costume rentals within the boundaries of the OCU production calendar and work schedule

• Seeks technical guidance from Costume Shop Supervisor and Cutter/Draper  

• Participates in curriculum delivery for Costume Labs including instruction and supervision of student assignments and projects. 

• Sewing and construction of costumes for rentals and OCU productions

• Alterations on existing costume pieces for rentals and OCU productions

• Assist in the supervision and guidance of work study and lab students in costume production work

• Assist in the organization and maintenance of the costume shop, basic supplies, equipment, costume storage and inventory, and dressing rooms

• Wig, millinery, and craft work as skills allow

• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry equipment and supplies
• Must be able to walk up and down multiple flights of stairs
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach
• Manual dexterity and near vision to efficiently operate sewing machines and computer keyboards
• Visual perception to accurately differentiate colors in fabric and materials
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

WORK CONDITIONS:

• 9 months 
• Work is primarily indoors but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings or to costume storage facility
• Frequent exposure to steady loud noises due to sewing machine operation, sound systems, and student, staff, and faculty conversations
• Occasional exposure to heat, cold, and humidity when working at costume storage facility

Required Skills

• Excellent skills in hand sewing, and home and industrial machine sewing
• Experience with theatrical costume construction
• Experience in working with and supervising students
• Experience in sales, retail, marketing, and/or customer service
• Effective organization and communication skills
• Ability to relate effectively and professionally to others
• Skills in millinery, wigs, crafting, or make-up a plus

Required Experience

High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in theatrical production or 5 or more years of professional costume production and costume rental management experience. Minimum of 2 years of professional costume production experience.

• Excellent skills in hand sewing, and home and industrial machine sewing
• Experience with theatrical costume construction
• Experience in working with and supervising students
• Experience in sales, retail, marketing, and/or customer service
• Effective organization and communication skills
• Ability to relate effectively and professionally to others
• Skills in millinery, wigs, crafting, or make-up a plus