JOB POSTING
Position:
Reports To:
Department:
Dates:
Status:
Draper
Costumes Director
Costumes
6/2/14 – 11/30/14
Full-Time Overhire, Non-Exempt
About Actors Theatre of Louisville
Celebrating 50 years of outstanding theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the State Theatre of
Kentucky, is the flagship arts organization in the Louisville community. Under the leadership of
Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein, Actors Theatre serves to
unlock human potential, build community and enrich quality of life by engaging people in
theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time.
Actors Theatre presents almost 500 performances annually and delivers a broad range of
programming including classical repertory and contemporary work through the Brown-Forman
Series, holiday favorites, a series of free theatre by its Acting Apprentice Company and the
Humana Festival of New American Plays.
Summary of Position:
Pattern, construct, fit, alter and refurbish costumes for Actors Theatre’s upcoming production of
A Christmas Carol. This position will be responsible for the production of the Fezziwig Party and
Schoolhouse costumes, assisted by a team of three. To view sketches:
http://kristophercastle.com/projects/5161141
Principal Responsibilities:
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Planning:
o Create labor hours estimates and costume production timelines, as assigned.
o Coordinate general costume maintenance needs within the seasonal work
schedule.
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Costume Shop Personnel:
o Instruct and oversee first hands and stitchers in the construction and alteration
of costumes
o Administer stitching tests for potential stitcher candidates as assigned
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Costume Shop Facility:
o Contribute to a safe and comfortable working environment
o Maintain a clean and organized workspace
o Ensure that equipment and supplies are properly maintained
o Keep informed about industry standards and new products.
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Production:
o Analyze new costume designs with the Costume Designer and Costume Director
to determine a course of action for each costume.
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Research any period styles and techniques necessary to complete each
costume.
Provide yardage estimates for any fabrics and trims required for each costume.
Develop patterns and monitor the construction process through completion
Maintain ATL quality standards, as set forth in the Construction Handbook
Ensure that all costume pieces are completed accurately and on schedule
Ensure that post production work is completed on all costumes prior to storage
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Costume Fittings:
o Inform Assistant Costume Designer and / or Costume Director when costumes
are ready to be fit.
o Perform costume fittings for assigned costumes.
o Ensure that every performer is reasonably comfortable in their costume.
o Ensure that notes from each fitting are accurately recorded and completed.
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Other:
o Ensure that all patterns, fabrics and trims are kept organized and properly
stored
o Provide costume support for other company departments as necessary
o Other costume department needs as assigned by the Costume Director
Qualifications/Requirements:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre or related field, or comparable professional experience
with training in costume construction, patternmaking and tailoring
Costume pattern-making, construction and history. Draping and tailoring of men’s and
women’s clothing. Managerial: including employee supervision, work-scheduling and
time management.
Must be highly motivated and a self-starter
Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Comprehensive knowledge of costume history
Comprehensive knowledge of various costume construction skills, including sewing,
draping, patternmaking and tailoring
Proficiency in the operation of all costume shop equipment and tools
Basic knowledge of costume equipment maintenance
Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
Must be able to climb ladders
Compensation
Compensation will be competitive with similar positions throughout the country. The range of
benefits includes medical and dental insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance,
paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan.
To Apply:
Applicants for this position should email resume, cover letter, salary requirements to:
Kristopher Castle
Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Email: kcastle@actorstheatre.org
No phone calls please.
Actors Theatre is committed to recruiting and fostering a diverse community of staff and
students. Individuals from traditionally under-represented groups are encouraged to
apply. AA/EOE