Position: Costume Coordinator
JOB POSTING
Position: Costume Coordinator
Reports To: Costume Director
Department: Costumes
Start Date: --
Status: Seasonal Full-Time, Exempt
About Actors Theatre of Louisville
Celebrating 50 years of outstanding theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, the State Theatre of Kentucky, is the flagship arts organization in the Louisville community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Les Waters and Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein, Actors Theatre serves to unlock human potential, build community and enrich quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexity of our time.
Actors Theatre presents almost 500 performances annually and delivers a broad range of programming including classical repertory and contemporary work through the Brown-Forman Series, holiday favorites, a series of free theatre by its Acting Apprentice Company and the Humana Festival of New American Plays.
Summary of Position:
Assist Resident and Guest Costume Designers in the production of costumes for all Actors’ productions. Assist Costume Director in coordinating daily operations of the costume department. Coordinate and / or design costumes for Apprentice productions as assigned.
Principal Responsibilities:
· Administrative
o Maintain established record keeping system for expenses and income.
o Process all receipts, purchase orders, check requests and mileage reimbursements; submit them to Costume Director in a timely manner, for approval.
o Process time sheets and submit payroll before the weekly deadline
o Update and maintain an electronic measurements database
o Process requests for measurements from other costume shops
o Create and maintain database of all general shop supplies including: vendor information, typical quantity ordered, cost etc
o Order or purchase locally shop supplies as requested
o Establish and maintain open accounts with frequently used vendors
o Create any necessary costume department forms and / or paperwork and ensure that electronic and paper copies are stored in the appropriate location
· Pre-Production:
o Assist in the planning and collection of information for future productions
o Research archival production information for remounted shows
o Procure (or coordinate the taking of) performer measurements prior to first rehearsal, when possible
o Pull from stock or purchase individual costume pieces needed to complete each production as assigned by the Costume Designer; return any unused costumes within a timely manner
o Shop for fabrics, trims and supplies as assigned by the Costume Designer and Costume Director
o Assist in providing the costume and crafts shops with the supplies and information needed to complete each project
o Assist in monitoring costume construction and alteration to ensure that work is being completed according to the designer’s specifications
o Create costume plots and breakdowns used for wardrobe, inventory and archival purposes
o Assist in creating swatch sheets for each new costume to be built
o Provide Stage Management with rehearsal costumes as requested
o Monitor daily rehearsal and performance reports and attend to any costume specific requests
o Create a costume bible according to ATL standards for each assigned production
o Record all expenses for assigned productions according to established ATL practices; submit receipts and invoices to the Costume Director in a timely manner, for approval
o Attend Production Meetings and Wrap-Up meetings for assigned productions
o Attend weekly costume department meetings, Draper meetings or other meetings as requested
· Costume Fittings:
o Submit fitting requests to Stage Management, as requested by the Costume Designer or Drapers
o Assist in conducting fittings to ensure costumes are properly fit and styled to the specifications of the Costume Designer
o Ensure every performer is reasonably comfortable in the costume and communicate any necessary costume information
o Photograph each costume fitting for reference and dressing purposes
o Ensure the fitting room is properly stocked with supplies; restock as necessary
· Dress Rehearsals:
o Attend all technical rehearsals when costumes are being worn, for assigned productions
o Ensure that each performer is appropriately and completely dressed in costume
o Ensure that all costume notes are compiled to relay to the costume shop for notes
o Provide wardrobe personnel with specific dressing and care instructions
o Other tasks as assigned by the Costume Designer and / or Costume Director
· Design:
o Design Apprentice productions as assigned
o Pull or Purchase costumes for productions staying within established budgetary parameters
o Create costume plots and breakdowns used for wardrobe, inventory and archival purposes
o Record all expenses for assigned productions according to established practices; submit receipts and invoices to the Costume Director in a timely manner, for approval
o Create a costume bible according to Costume Department standards for each assigned production
· Other:
o Ensure that fitting photos, plots and breakdowns are appropriately labeled and stored (electronically and otherwise)
o Assist in training and mentoring Costume Design Journeymen and Costume Design Interns
o Provide costume support to other company departments as assigned
o Other costume department needs as assigned by the Costume Director
Qualifications/Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree in Theatre or related field, or comparable professional experience with training in costume design and production
· Must be highly motivated and a self-starter
· Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
· Budgeting, accounting and record-keeping
· Comprehensive knowledge of costume history
· Working knowledge of various costume construction skills, including sewing, draping, patternmaking, tailoring and crafts
· PC computer skills with a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; Internet navigation and purchasing
· Must have valid Driver’s License and personal mode of transportation
· Must be able to lift 50 lbs
· Must be able to climb ladders
Compensation
Compensation will be competitive with similar positions throughout the country. The range of benefits includes medical and dental insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan.
To Apply:
Applicants for this position should email resume, cover letter, salary requirements to:
Kristopher Castle
Costumes Director
Actors Theatre of Louisville
316 W. Main Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Email:
No phone calls please.
Actors Theatre is committed to recruiting and fostering a diverse community of staff and students. Individuals from traditionally under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE