Jobs

The Walnut Hill School for the Arts Costume Designer and Costume Shop Manager is an integral member of the Production & Events department and manages all aspects of the Costume Shop. This position works closely with the heads of Dance, Theater, and Music and designs and constructs costumes for productions and events throughout the school year, as well as assists in other areas when needed and assigned. This is a full-time (10-month) position reporting to the Director of Production & Events. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active, engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field.

General Duties

• Design, build, construct, and execute costumes including maintenance and patterning/draping for the school-year season of Theater, Dance, and Opera;
• Run Wardrobe for most performances;
• Manage the daily operation of the Costume Shop;
• Oversee the organization, cleanliness, and maintenance of Costume Shop; monitor and maintain inventory of supplies, stock fabrics, notions, and office materials;
• Source and shop for garments and materials for productions as needed;
• Oversee and manage fittings in close partnership with directors, stage management, and performers;
• Assist in hiring and oversight of over-hire employees;
• Staff dress rehearsals for troubleshooting, evaluation, and alterations as needed; attend performances as needed;
• Manage cleaning and storage of all costumes after performances and productions;
• Ensure proper safety measures and cleaning/maintenance protocols are communicated and observed in all shop and stock spaces;
• Oversee use of costume space by costumers for auxiliary projects or outside rentals;
• Assist in other areas of production as necessary;
• Work collaboratively with various departments in a wide range of performances and provide support and expertise as needed;
• Collaborate with other technical staff on ensuring smooth operations and a safe and workable environment for staff and performers; and
• Perform additional duties assigned.

Collaboration, Professional Development, and Training

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all departments to foster a positive working and educational environment for students and employees to support the school’s mission, vision, and core values;
• Participate in communal programming, all-school events, art events, and support student performances, art openings, exhibitions, and other campus-wide activities if appropriate and instructed by supervisor; model and encourage appropriate behavior and monitor students during events and programming;
• Attend and participate in required faculty and staff meetings and department meetings; participate and engage fully in individual reviews and evaluations; be open to feedback and work with supervisor to set goals and expectations for the future;
• Attend and participate in all Professional Development (PD) days, training programs, orientation programs, benefit meetings, mandatory seminars, team-building exercises, and safety training/drills; and
• Display willingness and ability to grow, learn, explore new approaches, and practice self-reflection.

Requirements

• BA degree in technical theater or equivalent professional experience;
• Demonstrated skills in costume construction techniques, principles, and practices, patterning/draping, dancewear, and costume crafts;
• Knowledge of theater production, operations, and procedures
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to manage competing priorities;
• Experience in educational theater production and informal teaching environments and working with student workers preferred;
• Excellent decision-making skills;
• Knowledge of safety codes, regulations, and procedures;
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work with a wide range of people;
• Effective written and oral communication skills; proficient computer skills;
• Commitment to working in and fostering an inclusive community; be committed to learning about and practicing anti-racist work;
• Commitment to and strong understanding of cultural competency; and
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a changing, fast-paced environment.

About us:

Walnut Hill School for the Arts, located in Natick, Massachusetts and 20 minutes from Boston, is an independent boarding and day high school offering a transformational educational experience designed for student artists in grades 9–post graduate. Walnut Hill combines a comprehensive college-preparatory academic curriculum with intensive, pre-professional artistic training in theater, dance, music, visual art, and writing, film & media arts. Walnut Hill is committed to creating and enhancing an inclusive environment, and welcoming and celebrating a wide range of cultural, artistic, and educational backgrounds that complements and supports our diverse community.

Commitment to the school’s Core Values, of Community, Growth, Excellence, Creativity, and Respect are imperative to the success of all Walnut Hill faculty, staff, and administration members. All Walnut Hill faculty/staff are active and engaged members of the school community who are committed to collaborating and growing in their field, participating in school events, supporting students in their arts, supporting other faculty/staff members, and who have the ability to self-reflect on their own practice. 

Physical Demands

Physical demands include dexterity for design, costuming, mechanical, and supply operation including but not limited to using electrical equipment, power and hand tools, sewing machines, driving, writing, typing, using electronic devices, computer, phone, office machinery, copy machine, fax machine, and printers. Walking, ascending/descending stairs and ladders, stooping, bending, reaching, carrying, lifting, pushing/pulling, and sitting or standing for extended periods of time are common. Ability to move continuously during work hours and ability to lift, push/pull and/or carry up to 30-50 pounds using appropriate tools is required. Proper use of applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.

To Apply: Submit resume and cover letter through the Walnut Hill School for the Arts online Career Center.

Note: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of state and federal background checks. Walnut Hill does not provide visa sponsorship.