Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Costume Shop Manager

Drexel University Department of Performing Arts seeks a part-time Costume Shop Manager to plan, manage, and supervise the operations of the Mandell Theater costume shop for both the Dance and Theatre Programs. This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible position paid at a rate of $20 per hour and beginning in September 2021. The costume shop manager will maintain a set schedule of 10 office hours/week, with 40 rehearsal/tech hours per month for each academic term during the fall, winter and spring. This person will be available for all theater and dance program tech rehearsals as scheduled. This person may also be considered for design work to create the costumes for Drexel Theatre Program and/or Dance Ensemble shows in either the Mandell Theater or Black Box Theater, for additional compensation.

Shop Management Duties include but are not limited to:

  • ordering all shop supplies
  • upkeep and maintenance of the costume shop and its inventory and equipment
  • facilitating costume rental agreements
  • coordinating shop and stock use for professional designers working on Drexel productions
  • supervision of all work-study costume students and theatre scholarship students

In support of department theatre and dance productions, costume shop manager will:

  • supervise the construction of all program-related costumes
  • communicate projections of time, materials, and equipment for each production
  • create measurement sheets and attend rehearsals as scheduled for measurements and fittings
  • respond to stage management daily rehearsal and performance reports
  • facilitate the completion of both made-to-order and pulled costumes for the stage
  • ensure timely delivery of all costume elements including rehearsal pieces
  • load in, organize and label all costume pieces to the dressing room of each venue prior to tech
  • collaborate with director, designer, and stage manager to develop and update costume plot, dressing lists and other shop paperwork
  • work with student wardrobe/dresser to ensure proper labeling, hanging, and storage of all dressing room and preset costume pieces
  • manage all costume repair supplies and costume repairs during the run of a show
  • be present during tech and dress rehearsals, as mutually scheduled
  • be present during strike and manage students in post-show duties including clean-up of the dressing room, laundry, and restocking of the Mandell Costume Shop
  • follow University guidelines for purchasing equipment and supplies, including maintaining accurate records for expenditures and ensuring compliance with tax-exemption policies 
  • advise when necessary, on the selection of designers for the dance program.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with Philadelphia theatre and dance community and its vendors and have working knowledge of practices and techniques of costume construction, including cutting, draping, sewing, dying, and fitting costumes.  A Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design or related field, and at least 2 years’ experience with management background is preferred.  Must be organized, optimistic, confident, and interested in a mentoring/role model, leadership position.   

Drexel University Department of Performing Arts seeks a part-time Costume Shop Manager to plan, manage, and supervise the operations of the Mandell Theater costume shop for both the Dance and Theatre Programs. This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible position paid at a rate of $20 per hour and beginning in September 2021.