Costume Crafts Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in millinery, mask making and basic shoe repair for the position of Costume Crafts.  This is a benefits eligible position that is guaranteed a minimum of 40 weeks of full-time work each season and is part of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13, AFL-CIO.  This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about costume accessory creation, skilled in a variety of sewing techniques and devices and using with a wide range of materials including fabrics, plastics, leather and foam, and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization.  Applicants for this role should have creative problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to adjusting priorities, and time management skills.

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees.  We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQIAP+ community, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities. 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Managing Director Ryan French, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.

DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene.  The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres.  Minnesota year in and year outranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy. 

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life.  It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners.  The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members.  CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community.  We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.  CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Costume Crafts position is responsible for producing all costume accessories as designed including, but not limited to: hats, jewelry, masks, novelty footwear and shoe modification, gloves, belts, purses, and boot tops.  This position patterns for men’s, women’s and children’s contemporary and period or fantasy pieces.

This position reports to the Costume Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Costume Crafts

• Interpret designer rendering and supporting research to generate patterns and samples for costume accessories using draping, drafting or flat pattern techniques as appropriate for design
• Interpret sketches and adjust fit and proportion for individual actor
• In consultation with Costume Designer and Costume Director, determine best construction methods to realize design; make recommendations on fabrics, understructures and other materials as needed to meet design specifications
• Construct mockups for fittings; fit mockups on actor; make changes to patterns and adapt as needed for best fit
• Construct final pieces based on fitting information
• Coordinate with drapers on shared fabrics, attached head gear and other shared work as needed
• Coordinate work with Head of Wigs, Hair and Makeup on headgear with attached hair or hair ornaments
• Coordinate construction schedule with Dyer/Painter for any fabric modification needs
• In consultation with Costume Director and Drapers, assist in determination of fitting schedule and pace all work to meet fitting and final deadlines for all project pieces
• Communicate any special care, handling or storage needs on specialty pieces to wardrobe staff
• Maintain supply of basic craft supplies; request replacement stock as needed; compile specialty item needs on show-by-show basis
• Pace work on all assigned projects to meet fitting and final deadline
• Construct all assigned accessory pieces
• Participate in general department work, including, but not limited to cleaning and organizing work space, restocking supplies, assist in pulling and restocking of costume accessories

Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist workplace practices and policies
• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees
• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to rapid pace in a changing workplace
• Collaboration - Ability to work with others and be a positive team member contributing to a positive culture
• Communication – Ability to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and to understand what others are expressing
• Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and practices for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction
• Decision Making – Ability to make critical decisions while following company procedures
• Detail-oriented – Thoroughness and accuracy when completing a task through concern for all areas involved, no matter how small
• Inclusive – Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized   
• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
• Project Management - Ability to organize and direct a project to completion
• Time Management – Ability to manage the available time to organize and complete work efficiently and effectively within given deadlines

Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in sewing techniques – hand and machine
• Demonstrated skill with both domestic and industrial sewing machines
• Demonstrated skill and knowledge in millinery, mask making, and basic shoe repair
• Demonstrated knowledge of the use of fiber reactive and union dyes preferred, but not required
• Demonstrated knowledge of working in a wide range of materials, including fabrics, plastics, leather and foam

Other Requirements

• Color vison
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators with organic vapor cartridge for use with some adhesives or pains and safety goggles
• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment

The minimum starting wage for this position is $25.75.  Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.