Production Costume Designer and Shop Manager (part-time)

Wilkes University is seeking applicants for an adjunct faculty position in the Division of Performing Arts as Production Costume Designer and Shop Manager, starting August 2025. The Department of Theatre Arts is looking for a highly skilled professional to oversee all aspects of costume design and shop management for our productions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of costume design, construction techniques, period costuming, and comprehensive costume production processes. A strong background in theater production operations, supervisory practices, and exceptional organizational skills are essential. The role requires effective collaboration with stage directors, fellow designers, and students, demanding patience and creativity tailored to each production's unique requirements.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Costume Design: Lead the design of costumes for four main productions each academic year, comprising two musicals and two non-musicals.
• Production Participation: Attend production meetings, "work weekends," and technical rehearsals as assigned, contributing to the seamless execution of productions.
• Budget Oversight: Manage the costume department budget, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability.
• Inventory Management: Oversee the costume inventory, including laundering, dry cleaning, repairing, and organizing clothing, accessories, hats, shoes, and wigs.; and manage donations and handle all aspects of costume rentals and borrowing arrangements.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure all costume shop machinery and equipment are properly maintained and serviced.
• Student Supervision: Schedule and supervise costume production students in various tasks, including building costumes, styling wigs, organizing stock, and general upkeep.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Schedule Flexibility: Willingness to accommodate a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as required by production timelines.
• Theater Production Expertise: In-depth knowledge of theater production operations, procedures, and supervisory practices.
• Costume Design Proficiency: Expertise in various costume design techniques, construction methods, and familiarity with historic costume styles.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in patternmaking, cutting, draping, sewing, dyeing, and fitting costumes.
• Equipment Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of relevant machinery, including sewing machines, stitching equipment, and washing machines.
• Multitasking & Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines effectively and fulfill responsibilities with minimal supervision.

This position offers a unique opportunity to blend creative design with leadership within a dynamic theatrical environment. If you are passionate about theater and possess the expertise to inspire and manage a team, we invite you to apply.

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Depending on the chosen candidate's areas of expertise and experience, this position could be expanded to teach other theatre courses for additional compensation.

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Theatre or a related field, coupled with at least 3 years of professional experience in costume design and construction are required; prior teaching experience at the undergraduate level is preferred. The review process will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please submit your materials by May 5.

Please submit an electronic application which includes a (1) cover letter, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information for three professional references. Questions should be directed to Director of Theatre Jon Liebetrau at jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.