Career Center

The Draper/Cutter (Patternmaker) is responsible for all facets of the construction process for the creation of theatrical costumes.

● Perform fittings, alterations and refurbishment of existing costumes for the Theatre Arts and Dance productions, including maintenance of pulled or rented clothing items.
● Perform construction, alteration, and refurbishment of costumes.
● Create pattern work for construction of garments. Interpret original design work and custom patterning based on the design.
● Determine yardage for fabric and trims.
● Research period styles and techniques as necessary to complete Designer specifications.
● Conduct costume fittings.
●  Fit and prepare alterations of garments.
● Cut fabric based on created patterns for projects.
● Maintain and manage costume stock.
● Wardrobe Crew Chief supervising wardrobe crew for main-stage productions.
● Assist in costume craft work.
● Perform finishing work using both hand and industrial machine stitching.
● Press, steam, and label finished costumes.
● Complete assigned costumes with high quality within timeline and budget.
● Assist undergraduate and graduate students.
● Perform related duties as assigned needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.
● Assist with onboarding and mentorship of costume shop employees/students, providing timely, candid, and constructive performance feedback, developing students to their fullest potential and providing challenging opportunities that enhance student growth.
● Maintain a safe, clean, efficient, and organized environment for costume creation.
● Teach one course or one or more sections of one course per semester.

Required Education:
● Bachelor’s Degree
● 3 years professional theatre experience in a costume shop.

 

Required Qualifications
Professional experience in the following:
● Theatrical costuming practices and techniques
● Costume construction skills, including demonstrated proficiency in flat patterning and draping
● Sewing with an industrial sewing machine, serger, blind hemmer and industrial irons.
● Hand stitching
● Patterning and cutting for period and modern garments.
● Valid Driver's License required to travel to fabric shops and pick up materials for costumes and/or props.
● Must be able to work evenings and/or weekends, particularly prior to openings of theatre production presentations.
● Must be able to stand for extended periods; lift up to 30 lbs and be able to kneel and/or stoop for short periods, and engage in repetitive motions.
● Ability to translate a costume sketch into component parts
● Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and verbal instructions


Preferred Qualifications:
● Master's degree in costume technology
● Experience in construction of dancewear
● Tailoring experience
● Worked or trained in a professional costume shop a minimum of five years
● Knowledge or experience with computer aided design programs
●  Demonstrated supervisory experience in a professional and/or academic setting.
● Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and fabrications.
●  Ability to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty, and staff
●  Strong initiative to solve problems
● Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential setback and resolved conflict and crisis calmly and succinctly.
● Ability to complete work within deadlines with demonstrated organizational skills, prioritization, and multi-tasking.
● Ability to work productively under pressure
● Demonstration of practical initiative; respectful, courteous and cooperative relationships; affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices
● Evidence of sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students. Interest in leading through a lens of equity, cultural awareness, and sensitivity.

About University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

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