POSITION:   Costume Shop Manager    

CLASSIFICATION:  Seasonal - Full Time

STATUS:   Exempt

REPORTS TO:   Costumes Supervisor  

SUPERVISES:  Costumes Staff 

LOCATION:   Williamstown, MA

COMPENSATION: $1000-$1300 Weekly 

HIRING TIMELINE: Applications to be accepted until filled with a priority application deadline of 3/4/2024. Application review and interviews to be conducted starting 3/4/2024 with an anticipated start date of 06/03/24 and end date of 8/17/24.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Williamstown Theatre Festival, renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence, is seeking a skilled and passionate Costume Shop Manager to join our team for the 2024 Season. Reporting to the Costumes Supervisor, this role is integral within the production department, overseeing the creation of costume designs for multiple productions. The position will begin remotely on a part-time basis starting April 15th.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Costumes Execution:

• Oversee the development of a comprehensive plan for the creation and sourcing of costumes for multiple productions. 
• Manage the construction, sourcing, and organization of costume elements during the build and rehearsal process. 
• Supervise the setup and daily operation of the costume shop and costume stock. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve costume-related issues as they arise. Perform any equipment maintenance as needed.
• Source any rehearsal room costumes or stand-ins, ensuring all items are in good condition and ready for use by actors during rehearsals. 
• Coordinate rentals for the season, including transportation logistics to and from the campus.
• Assist in the load-in and load-out of campus spaces, including offices and workspaces, equipment counting, and off-season storage.

Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate with costume designers, wardrobe, and the costumes team to interpret and implement costume designs for multiple productions.
• Address and resolve any schedule or labor issues with the rest of the production team.
• Work closely with the Costumes Supervisor and other production department heads to ensure seamless integration of costume elements into the overall production design.
• Assist in the training and mentorship of costumes team members and seasonal staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.
• Embrace the Festival’s commitment to EDIA and Anti-Racism by actively participating in and encouraging behaviors among staff members that exemplify respect; interrupting microaggressions and other behaviors that hinder our EDIA and Anti-Racism efforts; engaging in the diversification of the workforce; demonstrating a degree of cultural competency that encourages healthy relationships with all company members.

Management:

• Coordinate with the Costumes Supervisor to set work schedules for the costumes team, ensuring adequate coverage during shop hours, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Assist in tracking costumes department budgets, materials purchasing, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure that safe working practices are maintained in any facilities used by the costumes department staff, adhering to all festival safety protocols.
• Partake in season debrief meetings and create documentation of notes that will better serve the position and costume department next summer.
• Customarily and regularly direct the work of two or more other employees, and whose suggestions and recommendations as to the advancement, promotion, or any other change of status of other employees are given particular weight.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Williamstown Theatre Festival does not require a specific number of years of experience or have a minimum for educational credentials. 
• Proven experience as a Costume Shop Manager in a professional theatre setting, demonstrating expertise in costume design execution for various theatrical productions.
• In-depth knowledge of costume construction techniques, materials, and equipment.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and management skills, with a track record of working with diverse teams in a supportive and collaborative environment. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic production environment, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines.
• Must be able to work long shifts on feet.
• An essential function of this job is in-person work in Williamstown, MA.