Cutter / Draper
Job Title: Cutter / Draper Department: Costume Shop Reports To: Resident Costume Designer / Department Head Start Date: December 2017 / January 2018 Compensation: Full time, non-exempt salaried position with benefits. Commensurate with experience.
Institution
The Omaha Community Playhouse (OCP), the largest community theatre in the country in physical plant, season subscribers, annual budget, and full-time employees, seeks a theatre artist to serve as Cutter/ Draper in the OCP costume shop. OCP’s full-time employees, part-time employees and volunteers produce 10 productions a year in two theatre spaces, as well as presenting 2 outside- produced productions in June and December, special events and fundraising benefits, and an Alternative Programming series. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan is the professional touring wing of the OCP, which produces at least one national tour per year. In association with Metro Community College, OCP is home to the Theatre Tech Apprenticeship Program, which gives students comprehensive insight into the technical careers of the entertainment industry through a blend of classroom and hands-on shop training. Apprentices work alongside master craftsmen and professionals (including costume shop artisans) to develop a cross-disciplinary foundation and focused training. Founded in 1924, OCP’s most renowned alumni include Henry Fonda and Dorothy McGuire, and current Broadway performers and Tony Award winners Norbert Leo Butz and John Lloyd Young. For 93 years, OCP’s high-level production values, including fabulous costuming and sets, have complimented the talented acting community in the creation of top quality theatre.
Position
OCP seeks a Cutter / Draper who, in partnership with the Resident Costume Designer / Department, costume shop staff, and other staff designers, will steward its artistic vision and inspire artists, staff, and volunteers to create the highest quality work. The Cutter / Draper is responsible for collaborating on the construction of all projects assigned to the costume shop throughout the season. The strongest candidate will strive to honor the rich history of the Omaha Community Playhouse, while working with the OCP staff to take bold artistic steps to insure the organization grows in artistic relevance.
Job Responsibilities:
● Develop patterns or mock ups using design renderings and period research, including facings, interfacings, and linings.
● Cut fabric and supervise the cutting of costumes.
● Participate in stitching and cutting assignments.
● Determine general construction methods, mark patterns for stitchers and supervise construction.
● Grade pattern to other sizes as needed.
● Facilitate alterations of patterns or garments as necessary.
● Attend fittings to assist and take notes for Designer if needed.
● Supervise and advise stitchers on methodologies for made-to- order garments, fitting alterations and general construction.
● Manage time, including that of any crewmembers, in an effective manner.
● Assist pulling costumes.
● Assist searching for patterns needed.
● Wash fabrics as necessary for the manufacture of costumes.
● Assist with wigs and crafts.
● Assist returning patterns and costumes to stock.
● Fold and return unused portions of fabrics to shelves when show is finished and when donations are received.
● Assist wardrobe during performance runs with repairs, laundry, shoe polishing and dry cleaning as needed.
● Assist with costume strike including, but not limited to laundry, dry cleaning, and rental returns.
● Assist with organizing storage at OCP shop, bay, and downtown warehouse. ● Interpret and implement costume crafts project. These items may include, but are not limited to: hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, mechanical costumes, puppets, masks, belts, fans and purses.
● Fabricate templates for craft items through sculpting drafting or draping.
● Complete alterations on craft items as necessary.
● Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Education:
● Work with apprentices who are enrolled in the OCP / MCC Theatre Tech Apprenticeship Program.
● Serve as a teacher and mentor to apprentices working in the costume shop during their designated time.
● Teach apprentices hand sewing and closures.
● Teach apprentices how to use the tools and equipment of the costume shop.
● Assign projects to apprentices in conjunction with the needs of each production.
● Assist supervising apprentice students on their assigned tasks during their rotations.
Qualifications:
● Demonstrated experience in a variety of hand sewing and machine sewing techniques.
● Ability to operate with skill, a variety of sewing machines including but not limited to: single needle industrial; overlock, merrow or serger, domestic straight and zig-zag machines.
● Ability to operate industrial iron.
● Ability to sit for long periods of time.
● Ability to manage time effectively.
● Basic pattern drafting skills.
● Basic knowledge of costume and fashion history. ● Basic knowledge of fabric types and their uses for stage.
● Demonstrated experience in the manufacture of both period and modern menswear.
● Ability to work with and supervise apprentices.
● Bachelor's degree in theatre (or related field) or comparable professional experience, with training in costume design, production, patternmaking and tailoring
● Previous professional theatre or academic theatre experience
● Skills in repairing and maintaining men’s and women’s clothing.
● Proficiency in the operation of all costume shop equipment and tools.
● Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
● Excellent organizational, communication, supervisory and interpersonal skills. Some costume management experience preferred.
● Familiarity with diverse shows.
● Ability to work with a variety of artists in high-pressure situations.
● Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs.
● Must be able to climb ladders.