Costume Shop Manager

Department

AI Court Production

Now in its 70th season, Court Theatre is the professional (LORT

D) theater in residence at the University of Chicago and on Chicago’s historic South Side. Court engages audiences with intimate and provocative experiences that inspire deeper exploration of the enduring questions that confront humanity and connect us as people.

This department‑head position is responsible for the execution of all tasks required for the successful creation and maintenance of all costume, makeup, and wig and hair needs for all main stage shows, workshops, and ancillary events produced by Court Theatre. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Some portions of this job may be done remotely, but the Costume Shop Manager will be required to work in‑person at Court Theatre’s theatre and production center regularly.

• Collaborates closely with each production’s costume designer to execute all costume designs in accordance with the artistic goals of the production, as is possible within the available resources of time, materials and labor.
• Shops purchased and rented costume pieces, and coordinates any returns after a production.
• Coordinates the laundering, dry cleaning, and other costume‑maintenance needs throughout and following the run of each production.
• Attends all staff meetings, work calls, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and previews as necessary.
• Reads the plays in advance and advises Director of Production about costume‑related needs as they might impact budget and/or schedule.
• Coordinates with other production departments as necessary to facilitate a smooth workflow.
• Supervises the two direct report positions of Wardrobe Supervisor and Costume Shop Assistant. Assigns tasks, sets their work hours, approves time off, and tracks their labor budgets. In collaboration with Director of Production, plans strategically for staff retention and professional development.
• Recruits, hires, and supervises overhire costume artisans and wardrobe run crew, and administers contracts with costume construction vendors for the creation of costume pieces, accessories, and wigs.
• Tracks costume department budgets closely and reconciles all costume‑related expenses promptly.
• Tracks and approves costume department payroll promptly each pay period in collaboration with the Associate Production Manager.
• Oversees Court theatre’s costume stock, making strategic decisions about organization, storage, and additions to the collection.
• Rents or loans costumes from Court’s stock to other theatre companies as time allows and in the spirit of supporting artistic community.
• Maintains an orderly and safe work environment at all times.
• Maintains accurate, up‑to‑date inventory, and plans for and executes regular and long‑term maintenance of all costume shop equipment.
• Assists Director of Production in planning for capital equipment purchases and improvements to the costume department.
• Provides costume support for Court’s annual gala and supports the production department with other duties as assigned.
• Engages with and supports Court’s efforts to become an anti‑racist organization where people of marginalized identities can feel safe and flourish.
• Acts as a resource for the production manager and provides recommendations regarding props solutions and related budget information.
• Works independently to manage the construction of props and their assembly for stage productions and rehearsals.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: None.

• 5 or more years experience working in a theatrical costume department or related field.
• Managing the work of other employees.
• Managing materials and labor budgets.
• Managing a project and department budget.

• Extensive knowledge and experience of costume technologies including draping, sewing, dyeing, wigs, and costume crafts.
• Knowledge of…