Overhire Costume Technician

OVERVIEW Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities.

Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.

Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

The Alley Theatre seeks local theatre technicians to fill Overhire crew positions. These positions are hourly, eligible for over time and hired on a per-show basis. No travel or housing compensation is available for these positions. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in team-focused environments, and a desire to immerse themselves in the technical theatre process.

JOB STATEMENTOverhire Costume Technicians have the potential to be contracted in a variety of capacities including as the Cutter/Draper, Tailor, First Hand, Stitcher, or Craftsperson based on skill, interest, and prior experience.

JOB DUTIES Costume Construction Experience - ideally with skills in one or more of the following areas:

Cutter/Draper:
Primarily drapes, patterns, and fits any built costumes, or fits, alters, and refurbishes pulled, rented, and or borrowed costumes. This position may require supervisor, or team-leading, responsibilities.

Tailor:
Primarily responsible for the creation and adaptation of tailored menswear and womenswear, which may include patterning, fitting, altering, or refurbishing built, pulled, rented, or borrowed costumes. This position may require supervisor, or team-leading, responsibilities.

First Hand:
Primarily assists the Draper or Tailor in the construction of new costumes, or the adaptation of bought, rented, or pulled costumes for use in a production. This position may require supervisory responsibilities.

Stitcher:
Primarily builds, alters, and finishes all assigned costumes.

Craftsperson:
Primarily constructs, refurbishes, and/or adapts costume accessory items (including but not limited to shoes, hats, masks, jewelry, fans, gloves, prosthetics, etc.), and assists in the construction of unusual costumes (fantasy, animals, etc.).Complete special projects as assigned by the Costume Director.

Attend fittings and Dress Rehearsals as requested by Costume Director.

Actively engage in education and development of anti-oppressive and inclusive practices and policies in the scene shop and theatre wide.

Related duties as required by specific position  addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee:
Adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)
Proficient knowledge of costume construction and alteration techniques. Depending on the position, this may include machine and hand sewing, draping, tailoring, pattern creation, pattern adaptation,…