COSTUME DESIGNER Job Description – KIDS from Wisconsin
The Kids from Wisconsin is a non-profit, self-supporting organization founded in 1969, the KIDS
musical revue is presented at up to 70 shows every summer across Wisconsin and the Midwest.
KIDS are featured daily at the Wisconsin State Fair, and have earned a national reputation as a
unique and highly professional performing group. Made up of 33 performers age 15-20 (singers,
dancers, and instrumentalists), the KIDS affords young people an unforgettable musical experience
as entertainers and ambassadors for Wisconsin.
Beginning with a 17 day Show Camp in early June, the KIDS tour throughout the summer, and end
their season on or near the second last weekend of August.
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The Costume Designer of the Kids from Wisconsin is a contract position, serving at the direction of
the producer. Review, assessment, and contract renewal will come from the Producer.
The principal duty of the Costume Designer is to design and fit costumes for the 33 members of the
KIDS troupe for the two-hour show prepared in June, and showcased throughout the summer.
The position begins with initial artistic planning on or about the time of auditions (early February).
The costume designer can begin to design once the troupe is selected in early March, with fittings
scheduled for the end of May and rehearsal camp running through the majority of June. A few duties
follow later in the summer (wardrobe adjustments, inventory at summer’s end, and storage).
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Performance sites vary and include high school auditoriums and gymnasiums, professional theaters,
county fair grandstands, community amphitheaters, and small football stadiums. Of special note is an
11-day run at the Wisconsin State Fair where the KIDS perform twice daily at the Bank Mutual
Amphitheater, a 1600-seat outdoor venue. Versatility and adaptability is required of the entire cast
and crew while on tour, and is of extreme importance to the success of the show. The highest degree
of professionalism is expected of everyone connected with the KIDS organization at all times. Over
100,000 people attend a KIDS show each summer.
The musical content of the 2-hour show consists of a staged, choreographed production of a wide
variety of popular music - this can include country, disco, funk, rock, jazz, swing, Broadway revue,
and music of popular artists in medleys, with band numbers in between each singer/dancer number.
Costume changes, hand props and the music itself keep the fast-paced show moving. A basic white
stage wash and a follow spot and operator are all that is required of the show. Special lighting effects
and complicated lighting cues are used in only a small number of venues where experienced lighting
staff is available. The KIDS have a clean-cut, all-American image, and costuming should be
congruent with that image. Costume changes take place in a wide variety of dressing facilities, but
are generally feasible since costumes are typically changed during the band features.
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Major responsibilities of the Costume Designer include:
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Working with a pre-determined budget, design order/shop/build and fit costumes for 20
singer/dancers for a variety show/music revue (normally 7 different outfits), in consultation with
choreographer(s) and producer
Find and supervise a seamstress for alterations. This expense is considered as part of the
costume budget.
Arrange fittings (normally in May over one or two days, typically Saturday and/or Sunday)
Attend all or most of the 17 day show camp in June, as determined with producer
Help organize and attend dress rehearsal(s) during rehearsal camp
Be available for costume adjustments or changes during the first few shows of tour
Operate within budget, as provided by producer
o Budget should hold into account; dry cleaning through the season, any luggage repair
or replacements
o Seamstress help should be part of the determined budget
Supervise inventory and storage of costumes including
o Cleaning of costumes
o luggage and props
o (volunteer help is available)
Special provisions:
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Housing and meals are provided during show camp at Wisconsin State Fair
If necessary, KIDS organization credit card may be used, although many items can be ordered
from Kohl’s at great discounts with a personal Kohl’s charge. The organization will reimburse
all costuming and prop items.
For more information on the KIDS organization or questions regarding the duties of the
Costume Designer position, please contact:
Mark Dorn, Producer
303-932-8866 or 303/963-3133, Marksdorn@gmail.com
Tina Wess, Executive Director
414-266-7067, kidsfromwis@sbcglobal.net
Please submit all application materials to:
Mark Dorn
11726 W Radcliff Ave
Morrison, CO 80465
Or by email attachment to marksdorn@gmail.com