Staff Assistant, Costume Shop Coordinator

To be considered for this opportunity apply online here: jobs.bridgew.edu

Bridgewater State University is an inclusive community dedicated to the lifelong success of all students, focused on the continuous improvement of its people, and responsible for leading innovation that benefits Southeastern Massachusetts, the commonwealth, and the world. Bridgewater's accessible environment of teaching and learning stimulates critical thinking, pursuit of new knowledge, and deeper understanding, the cultivation of meaningful and diverse interpersonal relationships, and fostering an appreciation for global engagement, all aimed at transforming lives and improving the human condition.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in our institutional values, which ensure that all students are supported and succeed.

Bridgewater State University is equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups, and those committed to working in a diverse cultural environment, are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Department of Theatre at Bridgewater State University is committed to the artistic empowerment and educational invigoration of a diverse body of students. With a strong liberal arts core, we create well-rounded students, prepared to engage with their communities as professional theatre practitioners and educators in the arts. We strive for inclusive theatrical participation and collaboration that drives conversation and social change. BSU Department of Theatre offers a BA in Theatre Arts, a BA in Theatre Education, and a minor in Theatre Arts. Our department produces 3 faculty directed shows each season, including one musical, and 2 student directed and designed shows.

The Department of Dance at Bridgewater State University is committed to cultivating excellence, innovation, and leadership in dance as education, as a performing art form, cultural practice, scientific inquiry, and interdisciplinary application. We are dedicated to inspiring scholarly artists and educators in dance, and to developing arts-literate professionals prepared to engage with diverse thought, experiences, and movement form that fosters social justice towards advancing global citizenship. The department offers a BA in Dance, a Concentration in Dance Education, an honors program, a dance minor and an education program toward MA teacher licensure in dance. BSU Department of Dance produces 2 mainstage concerts under the artistic direction of faculty and at least one Honors or Advanced Individual project or concert with artistic direction by students.

he Costume Shop Coordinator is responsible for the coordination and completion of all technical costume activities (costume construction & alterations, sourcing, and crafts) for stage productions for the Department of Dance and the Theater Department. Responsibilities include measuring, draping, and patterning, alterations, determining the production expenses of projects based on the designer drawings, the number of student workers available and their level of skill, and the time frame for completion, negotiating alternatives with the director and costume designer as needed, establishing the costume build calendar, overseeing and managing a supply and maintenance budget, and coordinating shop and stage activities with other staff and faculty positions.

Supervision Received: Department Chair, Theatre and Department Chair, Dance

Supervision Exercised: Student employees

This is a 10-month position, salary is paid over a 12 month period.

This position is an exempt, APA unit position and is subject to the terms of that union agreement.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of multiple diverse backgrounds and identities present in our community.

When you join the team at Bridgewater State University, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

When you join the team at Bridgewater State University, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative, and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

• Help to assure an effective approach to departmental productions by coordinating and implementing all costume activities for departmental production seasons for the Theatre Department and the Department of Dance, ensuring that all production schedule deadlines are met.

• Work with department chairs, artistic directors, and costume designers to establish deadlines for costume related activities for each production.

• Work with resident faculty designers, student designers and their mentors, guest artists, and visiting designers to determine the scope and scale of what can be executed for each production given the budget, time frame, and the number and skill levels of student staff.

• Schedule and attend fittings and keep record of notes discussed in fittings.

• Provide a comprehensive learning experience for student employees and students in academic courses by assessing skill levels and overseeing the instruction of the technical aspects and safety procedures involved in costume fittings, construction, alteration, and crafts.

• Manage and maintain all theatre department and Department of Dance costume inventory and storage facilities.

• Attendance at regularly scheduled production meetings, some evening and weekend availability required as needed in support of Load ins, Technical Rehearsals, Performances, and Strikes.

• Assure the efficient operation of the shop by overseeing human and material resources.

• Promote preventive maintenance, preservation, and cleaning of costume shop tools and equipment.

• Play an active role in the education of students by working with faculty to support the practical costuming elements of their courses.

• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and/or conferences, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.

• Remain competent and current in backstage and costume shop safety best practices.

• Maintain fiscal responsibility for holding a University Procurement Card and managing small supply budgets and making costume related purchases as needed.

• Help to ensure the overall success of the Department of Dance and the Theatre Department by performing all other duties as assigned.

To be considered for this opportunity apply online here: jobs.bridgew.edu

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre or a related field.

• At least two years of practical work experience in costume production on the university or professional level.

• Strong interpersonal skills-the abilities to communicate appropriately and professionally, verbally, with positive body language, and in writing, with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and community partners.

• Knowledge of current industry standards for safety and best practices in the costume shop and backstage.

• Supervisory skills including time and priority management skills, effective problem solving abilities, conflict resolution skills, abilities to recognize diversity and inclusion issues and their impact, and leadership skills to create a supportive and motivating environment

• Mechanical skills in the use of sewing equipment, sewing machines, and craft tools and basic stitching by hand skills.

• The ability to read and understand design sketches, and the ability to produce patterns through draping, flat patterning, and/or commercial pattern modification are required.

• Ability to construct costumes from costume design drawings and/or supporting research.

• Experience with Word, Excel, and Google Drive

• Commitment to customer service excellence, collaboration, student success, integrity, and collegial support in order to enhance an environment of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Costume design and/or technology education.

• Supervisory experience in a college or university costume shop.

• A working knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, wigs, and theatrical makeup and safely working with dyes and adhesives.