Department of Theatre Costume Shop Supervisor

Overview

The Costume Shop Supervisor is a full‑time, 12‑month position integral to the functioning of the costume area of the Department of Theatre. The role works on builds of all season shows, supervises students working in the shop, maintains the costume stock, handles costume rentals to outside groups, and manages administrative duties such as budgeting, purchasing, equipment maintenance, and student scheduling. Potential opportunities to design for the UMD Theatre season may arise.

Position begins July 1, 2026 and is ongoing.

Shift and hours of work: 40 hours per week; generally 9 am–5 pm Monday‑Friday, with flexibility to accommodate production schedules. Overtime or consecutive Sunday work are NOT conditions of employment.

• Administrative (20%)
  • Maintain shop equipment
  • Develop, manage, and monitor the costume shop budget, including forecasting, tracking expenditures, and ensuring fiscal responsibility
  • Oversee purchasing and procurement activities in accordance with University policies and procedures
  • Oversee the management and maintenance of shop equipment, and physical resources
• Production / Show Builds (40%)
  • Ensure production needs are met through effective planning, prioritization, and use of available resources
  • Meet with the practicum instructor to update the worklists for shows
  • Meet with designers to see what is required for their shows
  • Act as Cutter/Draper (patterning and cutting out costumes)
  • Construct costumes
  • Attend and help with fittings
  • Attend regular production meetings and rehearsals as needed throughout the process to support designers
• Supervising the work of others (30%)
  • Hire, train, and supervise work/study students
  • Supervise practicum shop hours for upper‑level costume students
  • Supervise student designers in the shop
  • Support the costume practicum instructor and students during practicum class meetings
• Managing Costume Stock and Rentals (10%)
  • Manage costume rental operations, including external partnerships and tracking of related activity
  • Repair and maintain costume stock
  • Receive and process donations to the costume shop

• Required Qualifications:
  • Some college training in theater or experience as a technician
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Undergraduate and/or advanced degree or training in theatre, costume design, costume technology, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience with costume construction as detailed above
  • Experience supporting theatrical productions, including fittings, alterations, and working with designers and directors
  • Familiarity with costume shop operations, including workflow coordination, stock management, and rental systems
  • Experience supervising or directing the work of others
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
  • Knowledge of textiles, fabric selection, dyeing techniques, and costume maintenance practices
  • Demonstrated experience in operations, program coordination, or production management and to manage multiple priorities and complex workflows
  • Experience managing budgets, purchasing, or financial tracking
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical costume or production challenges and provide guidance to others
  • Experience working in a higher education or student‑focused environment

• Salary range: $46,500 – $52,400 annually, depending on education, qualifications, and experience
• Time appointment: 100 % full appointment
• Position type:
  Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff
• Benefits include: competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, healthcare and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts, University HSA contributions, disability and employer‑paid life insurance, excellent retirement plans with employer contribution, employee assistance program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Note:
  
  most initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range; compensation reflects individual credentials and experience while maintaining equity within the organization

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.