Costume Design Assistant at Guthrie Theater

Description

Department: Production: Costume Shop

Reports to: Costume Director

Compensation: $ 36.17 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13. 

 Position Summary    

The Costume Design Assistant is responsible for the efficient implementation of costume designs for Guthrie Theater productions. This position works in cooperation with each production’s costume designer and stage management team, in addition to the Costume, Wig, and Wardrobe departments at the Guthrie. The Costume Design Assistant facilitates the realization of the design and build process and provides essential support during tech rehearsals. 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. 

The typical schedule is Monday - Friday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM. During tech, the schedule is determined by the rehearsal schedule, including nights and weekends. There is a minimum of 40 hours per week with a minimum of 44 weeks per fiscal (September 1- August 31) year.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

 Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

1. Design Process

· Facilitate the realization of each designer’s vision.

· Develop a thorough understanding of the script and the costume designs.

· Assist the designer with purchasing, pulling, or renting costume elements not built by the shop.

· Act as a liaison between designer and the costume department in the designer’s absence.

· Assist the designer with navigating the Guthrie’s schedule and process.

· Assist the designer with the timely fulfillment of shop requests for information and materials.

· Pull and fit understudy costumes in collaboration with Wardrobe.

2. Build Process

· Support the build process through communication and organization of design information.

· Display sketches on the design bulletin board.

· Organize, document, and distribute show fabrics.

· Coordinate and document fittings with drapers, designers, and management.

· Create and distribute notes from fittings, tech rehearsals, and previews.

· Create and maintain an e-bible containing all information relevant to the project.

· Communicate and troubleshoot with management regularly to ensure resources are properly distributed.

3. Rehearsal Process

· Support the rehearsal process.

· Display relevant sketches and research for reference in the rehearsal room.

· Provide rehearsal costume elements.

· Respond to and communicate rehearsal notes to the shops on an ongoing basis.

4. Tech Process

· Develop a scene breakdown, dressing lists, and check-in sheets for Wardrobe.

· Meet with Wardrobe dressers prior to tech to introduce them to the costumes and their use.

· Attend and take notes for the designer during dress rehearsals and previews.

· Facilitate timely and accurate completion of notes by troubleshooting backstage.

· Distribute, communicate, and implement notes and design changes throughout the tech process.

5. Operations

· Form a highly functioning and mutually supportive team with the Costume Director and Costume Workroom Manager.

· Manage assigned budgets using Guthrie-recommended accounting and reporting methods.

· Maintain and organize A Christmas Carol and non-rental stock.

· Participate in rack shifts in concert with the Costume Workroom Manager.

· Participate in departmental meetings and Production meetings. 

Requirements

• Prior experience serving in a professional costume shop. Formal, informal and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and can collaborate with others.
• Knowledge of theater, costume history, and costume design.
• Basic knowledge of costume construction techniques to communicate effectively with the shops.
• Diplomacy and level-headedness to deal effectively with colleagues with conflicting needs. 
• Can form teams with artists and co-workers with a variety of personal and working styles.
• Exercises tact and diplomacy with designer, actor, and other collaborators in fittings.
• Can handle significant responsibility and work independently.
• Can use a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access. 
• Can organize and prioritize tasks.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• 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.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

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 identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision. 

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)   
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions   
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie   
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps 
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.