Costume Shop Lab Manager

Position Announcement

Utah Valley University seeks to hire a Costume Shop Lab Manager, a laboratory position within the Theatre Department responsible for supervising and facilitating student work in the costume shop in support of departmental productions. This role oversees the safe and effective use of costume shop equipment and materials, including sewing machines, cutting tools, and dye areas, mentors and manages students engaged in production-related projects, and coordinates with the Costume Shop Manager and production staff to determine which projects will be completed by students in alignment with production timelines and instructional goals. The Lab Manager provides hands-on instruction in costume construction, garment alteration, fabric handling, and related techniques, while maintaining an organized, safe, and professional shop environment and reinforcing best practices in craftsmanship. Reports to the Department Chair of Theatre.

Summary Of Responsibilities

• Oversee and facilitate student work within the costume shop lab, ensuring safe and effective use of sewing machines, cutting tools, dye areas, and other equipment.
• Provide hands-on instruction in garment construction, alterations, fabric handling, and related costume techniques.
• Maintain a gradebook of student assignments, keep attendance records, and assist the professor assigned to the course in providing grades to students at the conclusion of each semester.
• Collaborate with the Costume Shop Manager and production staff to align student assignments with production timelines and instructional goals.
• Ensure the costume shop remains clean, safe, and well-organized while reinforcing standards of craftsmanship and professionalism.
• Perform other job-related duties, as needed.
  
  

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

• 2 years of prior experience working in a theatrical costume shop or related field
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Theatre or related field; prior teaching experience.
  
  

Documents Needed to Apply

Required

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

Optional:

• Teaching Philosophy
  
  

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Costume construction techniques, garment structure, and pattern use
• Fabric types, properties, and appropriate handling methods (including dye processes)
• Operation and care of costume shop equipment (sewing machines, sergers, cutting tools, pressing equipment)
• Theatrical production processes and costume workflows
• Industry safety standards related to costume shop environments and materials
  
  

Skills

• Teaching and demonstrating sewing, construction, and alteration techniques
• Supervising and coordinating student work and providing constructive feedback
• Clear communication with students, faculty, and production staff
• Operation of equipment and machinery, including sewing machines, steamers, irons, and other costume construction tools.
  
  

Abilities

• Ability to instruct and support students with varied levels of experience
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a production team
• Ability to oversee multiple student projects simultaneously
• Ability to physically work in a costume shop environment (lifting, standing, using equipment)
• Ability to adapt teaching and supervision style to different learning needs