Posted: 02-Oct-24
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Type: Full Time
Salary: $25/hour
Salary Details:
Preferred Education:
JOB OVERVIEW:
As a member of the USUO Costume Department, and under the supervision of the Costume Director, the Cutter/Draper serves as a leader in the Costume Department. The areas of work are threefold: costume technical expertise, project management, and communication. This individual will bring expertise in all aspects of costume alteration and building in order to not only execute technical, hands-on creations but also provide overarching guidance and instruction for Department members under the direction of the Costume Director. Our ideal teammate in this role will be as comfortable finishing exquisite costume details as overseeing and assisting Costume Department members with large-scale project workflow. As a representative of USUO, this individual should be professionally suited when interacting with guest designers, contractors, or other third-party contacts. We expect the individual to excel at assisting in organizational projects and aiding in the evolution of Department procedures. This individual will provide creative and collaborative guidance/suggestions for the entire Opera Production team with the Costume Director and be an excellent and patient instructor with blossoming Costume Department members.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Drape/draft patterns primarily (but not exclusively) for female-presenting characters.
- Cut and prepare costume alterations and builds to be stitched.
- Translate sketches and drawings created by a costume designer to build costumes.
- Determine fabric and trim yardage for costumes and help source as assigned.
- Report design concerns to the Costume Director and costume designer as appropriate.
- Instruct and oversee alterations and construction for primarily female-presenting costumes.
- Work with Costume Director to keep track of team progress.
- Stitch as needed.
- Establish accurate body and garment measurements using the imperial system.
- Run costume fittings under the guidance of Costume Director.
- Manage costume supplies and communicate needs to Costume Director in a timely manner.
- Execute alterations for mainstage, Resident Artist productions, and rentals as necessary.
- Attend mainstage dress rehearsals.
- Assist Costume Director with work flow and schedule of all Costume Department goals.
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized workplace.
- Assist with day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of costume workspaces and equipment.
- Related duties as assigned by Costume Director.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in professional theatrical costume construction.
- MFA in Costume Technology or commensurate professional experience preferred.
- Expertise in costume history, theater costume techniques, and materials.
- Expertise in pattern drafting and draping, costume builds and construction.
- Expertise in assisting and leading costume fittings.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team and skillfully delegate work.
- Advanced hand and machine stitching skills with the ability to instruct others.
- Professional work ethic and ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and outside/partner organizations.
- Advanced knowledge of various costume construction methods.
- Ability to operate all costume workroom equipment.
- Ability to utilize electronic tools (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, OneDrive; Google docs).
- Ability to communicate professionally in writing and verbally.
- Ability to work during the established work periods.
- Occasional nights and weekends required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to remain stationary for long periods of time.
- Ability to manually work safely with shop equipment.
- Ability to climb ladders to reach items.
- Ability to occasionally move rolling clothing racks weighing up to 200 pounds.
- Ability to twist, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to safely transport costumes in personal car to/from venues.
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) is committed to connecting our community through the performance of great live music. In service of that goal and to create an incredible place to work, USUO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Utah Symphony | Utah Opera is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which maintains that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. If you have questions concerning USUO’s compliance with Title VI, please contact the office of the President & CEO.