Draper/Workroom Supervisor

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Draper/Workroom Supervisor is responsible for interpreting costume designs from two-dimensional drawings and sketches and developing the patterns and processes for turning those sketches into three-dimensional, wearable garments. Draper/Workroom Supervisor excels at interpreting a designer’s renderings, works well under time constraints and enjoys producing high quality work.  The Draper/Workroom Supervisor is also responsible for maintaining shop’s equipment and supplies, establishing and maintaining work flow and providing day-to-day supervision of first hands, stitchers and overhire costume shop personnel.  This position is subject to the IATSE Local 769 CBA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Models CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos.
• Champions the organization’s commitment to a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Discusses work assignments with Costume Shop Manager to ensure thorough understanding of scope and responsibility
• Reviews designs with the costume designer and/or costume design assistant to ensure understanding of the goals of the design in terms of shape, style lines, fit, etc.
• Oversees the fabrication of assigned pieces with other costume shop personnel, including first hand and stitchers
• Creates physical garments from designs, including draping, patterning, generating mockups, fitting, adjusting and truing patterns, cutting, and overseeing the overall construction and finishing
• Performs quality control on finished pieces, ensuring finished garments meet appropriate standards.
• Manages time and schedule to ensure that the costumes are completed on the established timeline.
• Purchases workroom supplies
• Maintains workroom machinery
• Provides day-to-day supervision of first hands, stitchers and overhire workroom personnel.

ADDTIONAL DUTIES

• Fitting and overseeing the labeling and alterations to rented and purchased costume pieces
• Maintaining a clean work environment 
• Supervises workflow and quality control.
• Drives IDEA to Action platform by engaging in committees, events, training and other initiatives as needed.

COMPENTENCIES

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Strong personnel management skills
• Expert garment draping skills
• Expert knowledge of pattern making for garment construction.
• Expert knowledge of period costume construction processes & techniques
• Strong men’s tailoring skills
• Hand and machine sewing skills
• Basic knowledge of costume and fashion history
• Advanced knowledge of fabric types and applications
• Ability to work in a team driven environment
• Demonstrated understanding of body diversity and show a commitment body positivity
• Knowledge of theatrical fabrication techniques
• Service, ingenuity, and collaboration
• Emotional intelligence
• Mission-driven

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work hours are generally 9:00am-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Overtime hours may be necessary.
• Weekend hours may be necessary.
• Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks or other off-site performance venues.
• Will occasionally be required to wear PPE during work activities.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling.
• Push, pull, lift, and move up to 15 lbs.
• May need to lift boxes and stand for long periods of time.
• Use of manual dexterity in the operation of costume shop equipment and tools.
• Repetitive hand motions (scissors, irons, steamers, hand sewing). 

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3 years of professional experience as a cutter/draper
• 3 years working in a professional costume shop

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• BA, BFA or MFA in Costume Technology or equivalent.
• Familiarity with online information sharing platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Sharepoint, etc.
• Basic Costume Crafts skills
• Familiarity with unconventional materials
• Basic knowledge of costume maintenance best practices

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

Visit our website to learn more about our IDEA to Action platform. https://www.chicagoshakes.com/what-we-do/idea-to-action/