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Chapman University

Costume Studio Manager

Chapman University, Orange, California, United States, 92613


Posting Details

Position InformationPosition TitleCostume Studio Manager

Position TypeRegular

Job NumberSA33924

Full or Part TimeFull-Time 40 Hours Weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act ClassificationExempt

Anticipated Pay Range$67,000 - $80,000

Pay Range InformationChapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary InformationJob Description SummaryThe Chapman Costume Studio works closely with the Departments of Theatre, Dance, and Opera within the College of Performing Arts to produce quality costumes in a safe and timely manner. The Chapman Costume Studio often works on multiple, overlapping productions at once. The Costume Studio Manager, working under the direction of the Production Manager, is responsible for all aspects of the Costume Studio. The Costume Studio Manager: Establishes and maintains the Costume Studio expense and labor budgets, labor plan, and hires the studio personnel. Supervises the studio personnel and student employees with the support of the Costume Studio Assistant Manager and the Lead Costume Studio Technician. Ensures proper scheduling and communication, inside and outside the Costume Studio, with the support of the Assistant Costume Studio Manager and Lead Costume Studio Manager. Creates and maintains a positive collaborative work environment, and periodically oversees personnel in safety training and discussions. Oversees the maintenance and safety of the Costume Studio equipment, supplies, inventory, the ETC North building and the Waltmar Theater dressing rooms, makeup room and maintenance closet. Manages and maintains the costume stock with the assistance of the Lead Costume Studio Technician. Manages costume production: judging design viability; assisting designers with purchases; costume patterning; and costume construction. Manages, with the help of the Assistant Costume Studio Manager and the Lead Costume Studio Technician, the show-specific aspects of the Costume Studio: production meetings; assembling, fitting, altering, and transporting costumes; dress rehearsals; and the organization, training and oversight of the wardrobe crew.

ResponsibilitiesCostume Studio Management

Manages the efficient production of costumes for all CoPA productions.Establishes and maintains labor plan to facilitate costume production incorporating all overlapping CoPA productions.Hires, trains, and manages Costume Studio employees.Manages and provides safety training for students and staff in the Costume Studio.Maintains an inventory of Costume Studio assets both Sensitive Assets and those required for daily operations, Places orders for replacement items as necessary.Manages the provided costume and equipment budgets ensuring the budgets are adhered to. This includes reviewing, auditing, and approving purchasing reports of the Costume Studio Assistant Manager and Lead Costume TechnicianMaintains effective and timely communication with Costume Studio personnel, designers, faculty, colleagues.Attends staff meetings and required staff training.Manages the maintenance and safety of the Costume Studio, the ETC North and the costume areas at the Waltmar Theater.Oversees the Lead Costume Studio Technician in the structure and organization of the costume stock.Promotes preventative maintenance as a strategy in maintaining costume shop tools and machinery.Costume Production Management

Judges the viability of Proposed Costume Designs within limited budget and time frames and approves or denies those designsFacilitates designs by producing patterns from costume renderings, sketches, and verbal instructions.Executes and/or supervises others in costume cutting, construction, assembling and fitting.Oversees alterations generated from fittings and dress rehearsals.Maintains quality control of all costumes produced in the Costume Studio.

Show-Specific Management

Attends production meetings for CoPA productions and communicates pertinent information to Costume Studio staff.Oversees the process of taking and documenting measurements.Manages and communicates the scheduling of costume fittings with the support of the Assistant Manager.Reads and analyzes scripts for all productions.Acts or assigns others to act as liaison, ensuring clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio.When acting as the liaison, sets up racks and follows up on alteration notes from scheduled fittings on assigned productions.Manages the costumes supply and labor budgets for each production.Supports designers in purchasing costumes and show specific supplies.Facilitates transportation and organization of costumes and maintenance supplies between the Costume Studio and production venues.Oversees wardrobe crew training by assigning staff to attend and supervise student and union wardrobe crews.Attends dress rehearsals to advise any functional notes or requested design changes and oversees Costume Studio staff in completing alterations.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Costume Design, Costume Technology, Theatre Arts or related field. Master's degree preferred.Minimum of 5 years of professional experience working in a costume shop setting, preferably in a university environment.Demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring staff and students in shop and backstage settings.Ability to draft, cut, drape, craft, alter, and otherwise prepare fabric and costume materials in practices consistent with industry-standard proceduresProficiency in costume design history and construction principlesExpertise in sewing and garments construction techniques including patterning, drafting, fitting, alterations, and measurementsStrong proficiency with costume studio equipment including industrial sewing machines, sergers, hemmers, irons, steamers, etc.Strong understanding of fabric types, dyeing, and fabric treatment processes and techniquesExcellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, staff and students simultaneously.Effective and professional communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, and contractorsFamiliarity with digital design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite) and computerized management. Knowledge of Google Apps, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and Monday.com preferredAbility to learn and use new software and technology relevant to costuming, budgeting, calendaring, communication, etc.Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures relevant to a costume studio and backstage environment especially relating to sensitivity to performers bodies andAbility to manage budgets, order supplies, and maintain inventoryCommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in the performing arts. Commitment to demonstrating this personally and cultivating those values in staff, students, and colleagues.

Desired Qualifications

Special Instructions to ApplicantsChapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University can be found at www.chapman.edu/diversity.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate

Applicants are encouraged to include materials that demonstrate their experience in costuming including previously built elements, paperwork, or other relevant materials.

Minimum Number of References3

Maximum Number of References3