Costume Shop Manager, School of Theatre

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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Penn State School of Theatre Costume Shop is seeking a manager to oversee its day-to-day operations and work in direct consultation with Costume Faculty.

The Costume Shop Manager serves as a central coordinator for production processes within the costume area and ensures that all costume-related operations are executed efficiently, safely, and within budget.

This role is responsible for office management, budgeting, purchasing, scheduling of fittings, overseeing and maintaining costume stock, and training and supervising wardrobe crew personnel.

1. Production Coordination

• Coordinate the production process in the costume shop.

• Collaborate with Costume Faculty, the Workroom Supervisor, and Costume Designers to plan builds, rentals, stock pulls, and purchases for each production.

• Maintain show and shop budgets; provide weekly budget updates.

• Purchase and track items purchased for productions, including managing returns of unused items.

• Implement existing and new costume shop policies in consultation with Costume Faculty and Staff.

2. Fittings and Scheduling

• Schedule all costume fittings for productions.

• Assemble cast lists and acquire class schedules.

• Coordinate personnel necessary for each fitting.

• Utilize email calendar systems to manage and facilitate scheduling logistics.

3. Costume Stock and Rentals Management

• Maintain and supervise costume stock.

• Create and maintain a digital database to track all stock pieces, including rented costumes.

• Serve as Costume Rental Manager, meeting with clients in-person and establishing distance rental protocols.

• Manage invoicing, supervise restocking of returned costumes, and follow up with clients regarding returns.

• Organize and supervise restocking following production strike.

4. Wardrobe Supervision and Production Support

• Train and supervise the Wardrobe Head.

• Facilitate training of wardrobe crew.

• Meet with crew prior to load-in to review responsibilities and demonstrate necessary skills.

• Organize and facilitate load-in from shop to theatre spaces for technical rehearsals.

• Attend dress rehearsals and maintain a hands-on presence backstage as needed.

• Assist with training related to quick changes, backstage protocol, and traffic control.

• Coordinate backstage layout with technical direction regarding dressing booth placement.

• Assist with strike by coordinating dry cleaning, supervising laundry processes, and ensuring proper storage of costumes.

5. Shop Operations and Inventory

• Order, purchase, and maintain inventory of costume shop supplies.

• Establish and maintain paperwork systems to track inventory and budgetary needs.

• Consult with Costume Faculty and Staff to procure materials for productions.

• Maintain costume shop equipment and supplies, including arranging cleaning, repairs, and replacement as necessary.

• Coordinate organization and maintenance of shop craft areas, laundry/dye room, fitting rooms, and dressing rooms across theatre spaces.

The Costume Shop Manager will also serve as liaison with Costume Faculty and the Workroom Supervisor on costume-related matters and may teach a relevant course as needed.

Important Note: To coordinate and support costume operations, the Costume Shop Manager will perform the physical tasks required to manage, transport, organize, and maintain costumes and related materials, including lifting materials weighing up to 40 pounds. Evening and weekend hours are expected.

• Demonstrated experience in costume shop management or professional costume production.

• Experience with budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and costume paperwork.

• Experience developing and maintaining databases.

• Demonstrated experience with supervising and training student employees or production crew.

• Additional educational training or hands-on experience in wigs, costume crafts, and patternmaking.

• Experience managing costume rentals and client relations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

An educational background in Costume Production will be considered a strong plus.

Applicants must submit the following:

• Resume

• Cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience

• Specific examples demonstrating expertise in costume technology and/or production processes, either through a portfolio or within their cover letter.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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