What are the responsibilities and job description for the Costumer, Costume Shop Manager, Lecturer position at Oberlin?
The Department of Theater at Oberlin College invites applications for the position of Costumer/Costume Shop Manager, a full-time, continuing, ten-month (August 15 – June 14) Professional Staff position.
Responsibilities
A fully engaged artist-manager-teacher, the Costumer collaborates with the professional production staff to represent Oberlin College Theater’s Design/Production wing, primarily by their work in a vibrant co-curricular production program, while managing an active costume shop, mentoring a paid student staff, teaching their art and craft in the classroom, and participating in the governance of the Theater Department.
Essential Job Functions
Production
- Executes costumes for three major productions created by the Theater Department; plus two operas and one musical theater production with the conservatory of music per season; and occasional dance pieces
- Exercises expert artisanal practices of interpreting, patterning, cutting, sewing, fitting and finishing newly constructed garments, as well as integrating pieces from stock, purchase and rental into a complete rendering of the production’s artistic vision.
- Directs and participates in the running of these productions in all dress rehearsals and performances
Management
- Organizes all systems for the successful execution of the costume shop’s projects; manages all activities of the shop, monitors budgets and inventories; maintains equipment
- Supervises, trains and mentors a paid student staff; arranges and executes fittings with performers; plans all staffing needs, schedules and protocols for running productions with aplomb
- Researches resources and best practices; invents creative solutions to unique costuming problems
Communication and Collaboration
- Evidences initiative, creativity and innovative thinking
- Demonstrates finely deployed skills in communicating sensibly, flexibly, collegially
- Exhibits ability to work cooperatively with a diverse population
- Exercises professional efficiency, respect, diplomacy, warmth and grace, as well as an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Marginal Job Functions
Teaching
- Teaches one course per year in an area of specialization or interest
- Mentors students in theatrical processes, through the classroom, production and the activity of the costume shop
Required Qualifications
Master of Fine Arts/Master’s degree and/or equivalent professional experience
Desired Qualifications
- Successful teaching experience at the college level
- Skills in costume adjacent areas (hair and wig styling, costume crafts, makeup, etc.).
Compensation
Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes an excellent benefits package.
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, candidates should visit the online application site found at
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- List of References
