Costume Design Associate

POSITION:                        Costume Design Associate

DEPARTMENT:                 Costume Department

CLASSIFICATION:           Full-time / Salaried / Exempt

SUPERVISOR:                 Costume Director

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, creating productions and cultivating new audiences.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Costume Director, the Costume Design Associate assists the Costume Designer on assigned productions at the Alley Theatre.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist Costume Designers through the build and rehearsal periods, all technical rehearsals, and preview processes on assigned productions at the Alley Theatre.
• In collaboration with the Costume Director, Associate Costume Director, and Department Team Leads (Tailoring, Draping, Crafts, Wigs, and Wardrobe), help assess the design needs for assigned productions.
• In collaboration with the Costume Director, Associate Costume Director, Department Team Leads, and Costume Designer, assist in the procurement and purchasing of fabrics and other materials needed in the construction of costumes, crafts, and wigs for assigned productions.
• Procure all project-specific clothing, shoes, accessories, and rentals.
• Work within approved budgets for assigned productions; keep the Costume Director aware of any possible overages. Keep all financial records up to date.
• Facilitate communication between the Costume Designer, other members of the theatre, and the artistic/design team for assigned productions.
• Communicate and collaborate with other Production Departments, Stage Management, actors, and the artistic/design team for assigned productions.
• Communicate fitting requests that support the costume procurement process to the Associate Costume Director.
• Prepare all components for fittings in conjunction with the necessary parties; attend and assist all costume, craft, and wig fittings; take all notes and any photographs that advance the design needs for assigned productions.
• Assist in the management of costume elements needed for rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and other events as required by the theatre.
• Generate necessary paperwork for the Wardrobe Supervisor and additional wardrobe staff.
• Attend all designer run-throughs, technical rehearsals, and previews when the Costume Designer is in residence; take costume and wardrobe notes as necessary to facilitate the design process; communicate and share those notes with appropriate Costume Department Team Leaders. If unable to attend technical rehearsals, coordinate with the Costume Director how attendance needs will be covered.
• Create and maintain archival Show Books for assigned productions.
• As needed, provide understudy costumes for any understudy rehearsals or performances; coordinate with the Costume Director and Associate Costume Director on any resource and labor needs to support the understudy process.
• Assign and oversee the Costume Design Assistant’s daily work responsibilities, which can include assisting with the costume procurement process; managing rehearsal room needs; helping to return purchased, rented, or pulled clothing; setting up the fitting room; the generation of paperwork, etc. Provide training and guidance, as needed.
• Attend weekly Costume Department Meetings and Production Department Planning Meetings.
• Attend production meetings for assigned productions.
• Share feedback about the design process (focusing on designer/performer process, rehearsal period, scheduling, and project timelines) with the Costume Director in advance of post-mortems for assigned productions.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Must have prior costume design experience in a theatre setting.
• Must have experience assisting Costume Designers in a professional theatre setting.
• Three years’ experience working in a professional theatre setting, preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of, and experience with, the costume design process.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); Zoom; Google Docs; Dropbox; internet navigation and purchasing.
• Well-developed organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong time management and decision-making skills.
• Ability to problem-solve, remain flexible, and adapt.
• Ability to excel and remain detail oriented in a work environment where multiple projects with specific deadlines overlap.
• Ability to take initiative for assigned projects.
• Ability to work both independently and with other staff members to achieve goals, prioritizing team building and teamwork.
• Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of remaining in a stationary position to work at a computer, attend meetings, and be present for run-throughs and rehearsals.
• Ability to move through and navigate office and theatre spaces to access work and meeting areas, office and costume equipment, costume storage spaces, etc.
• Ability to position oneself to accommodate costume fitting or dressing needs.
• Ability to move up to 25 lbs. either independently or with assistance.
• Ability to climb stairs and step ladders.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Typical hours are during the day, but this position requires the flexibility to be available for weekends, holidays, or evening work hours during the production process.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.