Costume Studio Technician

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors.

The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).

• Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
• Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
• Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
• Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

If hired, specific responsibilities may include some or all of the below depending on the needs of the production:

• Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
• Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
• Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
• Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
• Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
• Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
• Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
• Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed

• Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
• Ability to create patterns
• Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns
• Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
• Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
• Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive…