Overhire Costume Technician

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 with 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, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Alley Theatre seeks local theatre technicians to fill Overhire crew positions. These positions are hourly, eligible for over time and hired on a per-show basis. No travel or housing compensation is available for these positions. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in team-focused environments, and a desire to immerse themselves in the technical theatre process. 

HOURLY: $15/HR Minimum

JOB STATEMENT

Overhire Costume Technicians have the potential to be contracted in a variety of capacities including as the Cutter/Draper, Tailor, First Hand, Stitcher, or Craftsperson based on skill, interest, and prior experience.  

JOB DUTIES

• Costume Construction Experience- ideally with skills in one or more of the following areas:
  • Cutter/Draper: primarily drapes, patterns, and fits any built costumes, or  fits, alters, and refurbishes pulled, rented, and or borrowed costumes. This position may require supervisor, or team-leading, responsibilities.
  • Tailor: primarily responsible for the creation and adaptation of tailored menswear and womenswear, which may include patterning, fitting, altering, or refurbishing built, pulled, rented, or borrowed costumes. This position may require supervisor, or team-leading, responsibilities.
  • First Hand: primarily assists the Draper or Tailor in the construction of new costumes, or the adaptation of bought, rented, or pulled costumes for use in a production. This position may require supervisory responsibilities.
  • Stitcher: primarily builds, alters, and finishes all assigned costumes.
  • Craftsperson: primarily constructs, refurbishes, and/or adapts costume accessory items (including but not limited to shoes, hats, masks, jewelry, fans, gloves, prosthetics, etc.), and assists in the construction of unusual costumes (fantasy, animals, etc.).
• Complete special projects as assigned by the Costume Director.
• Attend fittings and Dress Rehearsals as requested by Costume Director.
• Help implement and practice safety policies in the costume shop, including adherence to the Alley Theatre’s current COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• Actively engage in education and development of anti-oppressive and inclusive practices and policies in the scene shop and theatre-wide.
• Related duties as required by specific position contracted.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

• Proficient knowledge of costume construction and alteration techniques. Depending on the position, this may include machine and hand sewing, draping, tailoring, pattern creation, pattern adaptation, pattern tracing, fitting, and altering.
• Experience with domestic and/or industrial sewing machines, and other applicable equipment common to costume workrooms.
• Knowledge of clothing materials, fabrics, notions and proven ability to work with them.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task in situations which may have definite timelines.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to share visual documentation of past costume or craft experiences during the application process; depending on the position, this may include documentation of patterning, tailoring, draping, costume construction, or crafts work.
• Must be able to operate sewing machines and work with fabrics using necessary sewing tools and equipment.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior costume experience for a theatre setting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While accommodations can be possibly made, there is the potential for prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting.
• Must be able to position oneself to work with fabric, clothing, or costumes that might be worn, on dress forms, on tables, hanging, etc.
• Potentially prolonged periods of sitting.
• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs, either independently or with assistance.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Discounted Parking (Bi-weekly $4 dollars).

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, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion