Costume Shop Assistant

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via connectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

Definition of Class

This position provides assistance to the shop manager in the areas of planning, coordinating, and monitoring the daily activities associated with garment creation, fitting, and/or maintenance within a university costume shop or program. The incumbent assists with patterning and the creation of garments, tailoring and/or alterations, and drafting or draping of costume pieces when needed.

The Department of Theatre & Film at The University of Mississippi seeks applications for a Costume Shop Assistant to begin August 1, 2024 (start date flexible). Candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of theatre production operations and procedures; understanding of principles, practices, and techniques of costume construction; comprehension of various eras and appearance of clothing; skills in flat patterning, cutting, draping, sewing, fabric modification, and fitting costumes; knowledge of wigs and wig maintenance. Successful candidates will possess strong/effective mentoring, organizational, collaborative, and strong interpersonal skills.

The department currently enrolls 120 majors with 21 full time faculty, 11 full time staff members, and offers a BA in Theatre Arts, BFA in Theatre Arts emphases in Acting for Stage & Screen and Design & Theatre Production, and a BFA in Film Production. The University of Mississippi, which has been recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education for eleven consecutive years as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, is located in Oxford, MS, ranked as one of the "Top 10 Best College Towns".

Examples of Work Performed

• Provides labor support in the patterning, proper fitting, draping, and tailoring of garments for each production.

• Assists with the evaluation of the amount of time needed for each element of the costume construction process.

• Assists with the evaluation of the safest method for completing the construction of garments.

• Ensures all items used in productions and/or rentals are cleaned, inventoried and restocked properly.

• Assists the costume shop manager in performing drafting or draping of costume pieces and costume crafts as needed for a departmental production.

• Participates with the styling and upkeep of wigs as needed for a departmental production.

• Provides assistance with the upkeep of wig stock and maintaining inventory.

• Participates with dying as needed for a departmental production.

• Helps ensure proper techniques as defined by the costume shop manager are followed in the construction and fitting of garments.

• Oversees that safe working practices are being utilized in all areas of the costume shop and theatre.

• Assists with the training of students working in the costume shop, when needed.

• Assists the costume shop manager with the upkeep of costume spaces.

• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

• Assists with the patterning and creation of garments for each production.

• Assists with the running of some dress rehearsals and strike.

• Assists with the oversight of student workers in the costume shop, makes sure proper techniques, as defined by the costume shop manager, are being followed, and those techniques are being performed safely.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:

Graduation from a standard four-year high school or equivalent (GED).

AND

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience related to the above described duties.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Nearest Major Market: Oxford Mississippi