SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and talented Costume Design Associate to join the Costume Department Team. The Design Associate is a critical member of the Costume Department and provides essential support for our high-quality productions.

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table, reflected in our community.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The primary function of the Costume Design Associate is to work with, and as an extension of, the Costume Designer; assisting to fully realize the garments, accessories, and hair goods that comprise a specific costume design.

Essential Functions:

Designer and design support

• Through discussions with designers, the process of putting the show into the shop and shopping, the Costume Design Associate will assimilate the Designer’s specific show aesthetic to provide continuity of design decisions throughout the build.
• Compiles sketches for the workroom and Stage Manager and performs design research, as needed.
• Facilitates procedures and all materials needed to execute costumes, including but not limited to: fabric and accessory materials, costume rentals, stock, and purchased garments. This may involve local, out of town, catalog, as well as online shopping.
• Attends run-throughs, and other rehearsals including dress-tech/preview rehearsals with or as a representative of the Designer and shop.
• Pulls rehearsal costumes or, when necessary, works with the Stock Manager to accomplish rehearsal needs.
• Pulls/sources understudy costumes to best match original design with the assistance of the Stock Manager and Wardrobe Supervisor.

 Workflow support

• Assists with scheduling and prioritizing the workflow for interim goals which may include, but are not limited to dye schedules, fittings, tech, and dress rehearsals. Facilitates preparation of fitting requests with the Costume Director.
• Facilitates and time manages actor fittings to ensure most efficient use of time.

Communication

• Provides timely and comprehensive communication between the Designer, work room staff, Director, actors, stage management, and other departments.
• Compiles paperwork and prepares dressing lists, check in sheets, and run lists for the wardrobe crew to facilitate the running and maintenance of each show.
• Works with the Costume Director and Associate Costume Director to help manage up to date show budgets, by turning in all purchase receipts, and return information in a timely fashion.
• Records and maintains a full record of all design decisions, vendors, shopping and material sources, and rental records to create a Show Bible (physical or digital as needed).
• Coordinates and cooperates with other departments to fulfill unity of design between scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and costumes.
• Facilitates Wardrobe/Wigs & Hair/Stage Manager meetings.
• Communicates maintenance information with cutters and costume props artisans to the Wardrobe Crew.

Department health

• Proactive engagement and implementation of EDI (Equity Diversity & Inclusion) practices.
• Attends meetings pertinent to production, costumes, all SR staff, and EDI work.
• Helps to maintain a respectful work environment.
• Contribute to positive work culture and employee experience.

Minimum qualifications

• 4 years of Costume Design/Design Assistant experience at the educational or professional level.
• Commitment to racial equity and social justice.

Desired qualifications

• Possess a keen sense of design and color with knowledge of costume and art history.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere, possess excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, have analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently and as a team, and be self-motivated.
• Keep a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends, and can maintain a professional attitude when working in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic accounting skills and proficient computer skills (MS Outlook, Word and Excel, Photoshop).
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
• Willing to use public transportation or vehicle to gather and return materials.
• Knowledge of Actors Equity rules and a sense of humor a plus.

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related experience and education.
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines your commitment or actions towards anti-racism, cultural competency, and how your related experience or education qualifies you for the position.
3. Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes.
4. First round of interviews tentatively scheduled for November 29, 2021.
5. Expected start date in mid-January 2022.