Description

Reporting to the Production Manager, and in alignment with the Costume Design Faculty,

the Costume Shop Manager oversees all costume-related operations for productions presented or supported by the Department of Theater, including mainstage productions, approved student productions, and departmental thesis and honors projects. The role manages costume construction, fittings, rentals, wardrobe operations, and costume maintenance, while ensuring effective shop operations, safe practices, and high-quality production support. The Costume Shop Manager provides technical guidance and supervised experiential learning opportunities for students engaged in production work, supporting the successful execution of departmental productions in alignment with artistic and operational goals.

Description

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

Bachelors plus 6 or more years' experience or combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Education

• Bachelor or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree required.

Experience

• At least 6+ years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an academic theatrical costume shop; or the equivalent.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of management practices; basic bookkeeping, budget management, purchasing, scheduling, and inventory control.
• Knowledge of costume machinery and equipment maintenance.
• Proficiency in hands-on technical skill in costume construction, garment alteration and fabric modification.
• Working knowledge of costume design and coordination.
• Ability to plan and prioritize work.
• Ability to supervise others.
• Commitment to mentoring student designers and technicians.
• Ability to interact and collaborate effectively with people of different age brackets, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Strong collaboration, written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills,
• Excellent managerial skills and leadership qualities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts degree in Costume Design or Costume Technology preferred

Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries

Greg Potter

Department Contact Phone Number

603-646-6391

Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title

Greg Potter

Department Contact's Phone Number

603-646-6391

Equal Opportunity Employer

Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.

Background Check

Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?

Preferred, but not required

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy. https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/tobacco-free-policy

Additional Instructions

Key Accountabilities

Description

Costume Production & Operations

• Oversees costume-related operations for departmental productions, including costume construction, rentals, fittings, wardrobe coordination, maintenance, and costume-related logistics for mainstage, approved student, and departmental thesis productions.
• Reviews costume requirements for productions and develops operational plans to meet production needs in consultation with faculty and guest designers, and the Production Manager.
• Oversees costume maintenance during rehearsals and performances to ensure costume quality, functionality, and continuity.
• Coordinates costume and wig fittings for performers and facilitates costume loans and rentals.
• Coordinates shared use of dressing room facilities with Hopkins Center Production staff and participates in departmental production meetings and planning activities.

Percentage Of Time

50%

Description

Costume Shop Management & Resource Stewardship

• Manages daily Costume Shop operations, including workflow, scheduling, and supervision of costume shop staff, student employees, volunteers, and over-hire personnel engaged in costume construction and shop activities.
• Oversees the Costume Shop budget, including production-related costume expenses and shop supply budgets, in partnership with the Production Manager.
• Maintains costume stock, including the repair, storage, organization, and inventory of costumes, accessories, materials, equipment, and tools necessary for departmental operations.
• Ensures safe and effective operation of costume shop facilities, equipment, and workspaces.

Percentage Of Time

25%

Description

Student Training, Supervision & Experiential Learning

• Hires, trains, and supervises student costume shop employees, coordinating with departmental administration to monitor schedules, budgets, and student employment processes.
• Provides technical guidance, coaching, and supervised experiential learning opportunities for students engaged in costume construction and production activities, including Theater Department students participating in production-based learning experiences.
• Advises student costume designers on technical feasibility, construction methods, timelines, and production requirements in coordination with faculty artistic direction.
• Supervises student costume and wardrobe crews during technical rehearsals and performances, ensuring adherence to production standards and safe practices.
• Oversees student use of costume shop tools, materials, and spaces to promote safety and effective technical skill development.

Percentage Of Time

20%

Description

Departmental Collaboration & Engagement

• Participates in department retreats, select departmental meetings, and collaborative planning activities in support of Theater Department operations and productions.

Percentage Of Time

5%

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Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.

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Performs other duties as assigned