Middle School Costume Designer

Description

St. Paul Academy and Summit School (SPA) is currently seeking a Middle School Costume Designer for our fall production of the play Bye Bye Birdie, Jr.

About the Middle School:

The Middle School at SPA is a place where students in Grades 6-8 experience the transition from childhood to young adulthood in a safe and caring environment, surrounded by adults who genuinely care about them. Our culture is defined by our warm and welcoming community, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as our innovative and rigorous curriculum.

The Middle School curriculum emphasizes wide-ranging exploration and skill development in specific disciplines, taught by teachers who understand and genuinely enjoy students at this age. Organization and accountability are emphasized, and students learn to take responsibility for managing their work.

In middle school, students are encouraged to embrace new ideas and think critically and independently. The classroom experience is based on increased academic rigor combined with increased freedom of choice, and support for the social/emotional needs of young adolescents is provided using Developmental Designs for Middle School. Finally, the advisory system sets clear standards and expectations for individual behavior and community norms.

For more information about the Middle School, please visit the Middle School section of our website.

Position Begins: December 2025

Status: Part‑time

Department: MS Theater Department

Salary Range: $3,000- $5,000

Description:

Middle School Theatre Costume Designer

Production: Bye Bye Birdie

Job Summary

The Costume Designer for the middle school production of Bye Bye Birdie plays a key role in bringing the world of the show to life. Working with a large ensemble of approximately 50–60 student actors, this position collaborates closely with the director, stage manager, students, and volunteers to create a cohesive costume vision that supports storytelling, fits within the budget, and provides students with a positive, educational production experience.

The After School Drama Program offers three theatrical productions for Middle Schoolers every year: the Fall Play, the Winter Musical, and the Spring One‑Acts. Rehearsals are held on the Randolph Campus after school; days and times will vary. All Middle School students are welcome to audition for any theatrical production or to work behind the scenes on lighting, props, costumes, make‑up, and stage construction.

Middle School drama teacher Ed Williams, Jr. directs the productions, which usually perform two to three shows each and are popular community events.

Production: Bye Bye Birdie

Tuesday, Nov. 18 @ 3:00-4:30

Wednesday, Nov. 19 @ 3:00-4:30

Thursday, Nov. 20 @ 3:00-4:30

February 23-26 @ 3:00-6:30 pm

February 26 @ 11:25 am

February 26 @ TBD

Friday, February 27 @ 7:00 pm

Saturday, February 28 @ 7:00 pm

Sunday, March 1 @ 2:00 pm

• Present costume design concepts, images, and ideas that align with the director’s artistic vision
• Take accurate cast measurements and maintain organized measurement records
• Purchase, rent, borrow, return, or create costumes for the production, staying within the assigned budget
• Coordinate, train, and supervise student and adult volunteers in costume tasks
• Mentor the student costume crew and support their learning throughout the process
• Work collaboratively with the director and stage manager to schedule and run costume fittings
• Conduct fittings, complete alterations, modifications, and finishing details
• Communicate clearly with students and families regarding costume pieces to bring from home
• Organize dressing rooms and ensure costumes are labeled, maintained, and show‑ready
• Collaborate with volunteers and students on hair and makeup choices that support the design
• Attend all production meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances

• A passion for working with youth in an educational, creative environment
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with a diverse community of students, families, staff, and volunteer
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Previous costume design and/or costume construction experience
• Reliable, collaborative, flexible, and adaptable in a fast‑paced rehearsal process
• Problem‑solving mindset and attention to detail

How to Apply:

Apply online .edu/careers. Resume review will begin immediately. Please submit the following information with your application to be considered: a letter of interest, a resume, and a list of references.

SPA is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse faculty and staff, and maintaining a workplace culture in which all individuals are treated with equity and respect.