Draper/Tailor in Minneapolis, Minnesota at Guthrie Theater

Department: Production - Costumes

Reports to: Associate Costumes Director

Compensation: $36.17 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

Typical Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This position works 40 hours per week and is guaranteed a minimum of 44 work weeks per fiscal year.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

The Draper/Tailor is responsible for developing the patterns and construction methods for assigned costumes for Guthrie productions and for leading a team in their timely completion. This position will collaborate with the design team and management to understand the designer’s wishes and available resources for the assigned workload. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Pattern Development

• Develop patterns by interpreting the sketch and/or research to move from two-dimensional illustration to three-dimensional costume.
• Correct patterns based on fitting feedback.
• Make adjustments to patterns for appearance, fit and movement.
• Review feedback from tech rehearsals, previews, and performances and incorporate for future information.

2. Fitting

• Fit costumes in collaboration with the actor, design team, and management.
• Adjust design lines, trim, etc. according to designer’s wishes.

3. Lead

• Collaborate with the design team and management to understand designer’s wishes and available resources for the assigned workload.
• Determine and communicate the process for construction of costumes in assigned workloads.
• Lead and provide guidance to the assigned work team.
• Develop, communicate, and manage a schedule for the assigned work team.
• Advise and assist other costume shop staff when requested.
• Lead a team of First Hand and Stitchers in the timely completion of each workload.
• Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production artisanship and artistic excellence.

4. Operations

• Cut, construct, and alter costumes as a part of the work team.
• Estimate yardage of fabric and trims.
• Support the tech process by reviewing, assigning, and completing tech notes as necessary.
• Collaborate with management on departmental initiatives.
• Cooperate, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources with other work teams.
• Assist co-workers in maintaining costume workroom and equipment.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and expertise as a draper or tailor.
• Skill in operation of industrial sewing machine and serger.
• Patternmaking, layout, cutting, pressing, and costume construction skills.
• Knowledge of flat patterning and draping techniques to create patterns.
• Knowledge of various fabric properties to determine appropriate sewing techniques.
• Knowledge of period specific style and silhouettes to develop patterns for a variety of historical periods.
• Knowledge of garment construction techniques and terminology to direct assigned team.
• Practical experience leading a team and can maintain an environment conducive to motivating a team.
• Demonstrated organization skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Can handle significant responsibility with little or no supervision.
• Can manage multiple priorities to ensure work is completed in a timely and productive manner.
• Communicates effectively and persuasively in oral communication on an interpersonal or group level.
• Skilled in forming teams with artists and co-workers who possess a variety of personal and working styles; exercises tact and diplomacy with designer, actor, and other collaborators in fittings.
• Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Can lift 20 lbs. continuously throughout an assigned shift.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.