Draper​/Tailor

Draper/Tailor

The Draper/Tailor is responsible for developing the patterns and construction methods for assigned costumes for Guthrie productions and for leading a team in their timely completion. This position will collaborate with the design team and management to understand the designer's wishes and available resources for the assigned workload. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie's core values of Artistic Excellence;
Community;
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Pattern Development
• Develop patterns by interpreting the sketch and/or research to move from two-dimensional illustration to three-dimensional costume.
• Correct patterns based on fitting feedback.
• Make adjustments to patterns for appearance, fit and movement.
• Review feedback from tech rehearsals, previews, and performances and incorporate for future information.

• Fitting
• Fit costumes in collaboration with the actor, design team, and management.
• Adjust design lines, trim, etc. according to designer's wishes.

• Lead
• Collaborate with the design team and management to understand designer's wishes and available resources for the assigned workload.
• Determine and communicate the process for construction of costumes in assigned workloads.
• Lead and provide guidance to the assigned work team.
• Develop, communicate, and manage a schedule for the assigned work team.
• Advise and assist other costume shop staff when requested.
• Lead a team of First Hand and Stitchers in the timely completion of each workload.
• Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production artisanship and artistic excellence.

• Operations
• Cut, construct, and alter costumes as a part of the work team.
• Estimate yardage of fabric and trims.
• Support the tech process by reviewing, assigning, and completing tech notes as necessary.
• Collaborate with management on departmental initiatives.
• Cooperate, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources with other work teams.
• Assist co-workers in maintaining costume workroom and equipment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience and expertise as a draper or tailor.
• Skill in operation of industrial sewing machine and serger.
• Pattern making, layout, cutting, pressing, and costume construction skills.
• Knowledge of flat patterning and draping techniques to create patterns.
• Knowledge of various fabric properties to determine appropriate sewing techniques.
• Knowledge of period specific style and silhouettes to develop patterns for a variety of historical periods.
• Knowledge of garment construction techniques and terminology to direct assigned team.
• Practical experience leading a team and can maintain an environment conducive to motivating a team.
• Demonstrated organization skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Can handle significant responsibility with little or no supervision.
• Can manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner.
• Communicates effectively and persuasively in oral communication on an interpersonal or group level.
• Skilled in forming teams with artists and co-workers who possess a variety of personal and working styles; exercises tact and diplomacy with designer, actor, and other collaborators in fittings.
• Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Can lift 20 lbs. continuously throughout an assigned shift.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many…