POSITION SUMMARY

The First Hand works as part of a collaborative team to achieve the director and designer’s vision to the highest production value possible in the available time. Under the supervision of the Senior Draper, the First Hand assists in the construction of all new costumes and the alteration of purchased and stock costumes for each production. The First Hand distributes and guides the workload from the Drapers to the Stitchers. The First Hand works as part of a team to keep a clean and safe work area and to produce garments in a timely manner. The First Hand works in collaboration with all costume shop team members to maintain, clean, and organize work, storage, and stock spaces.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

• Assist Drapers in fittings, cutting, and pattern making as needed.
• Construct costumes and complete hand and finish work as assigned.
• Consult with Senior Draper to determine best construction techniques.
• Provide instruction to Stitchers and other costume shop personnel regarding construction, alterations, and notes. Answer questions and consult with Senior Draper as needed.
• Assist in maintenance of costume inventory including organization and re-stocking.
• Prepare work for Stitchers.
• Request all needed materials, supplies, and equipment repairs through Assistant Costume Director in a timely manner.
• Assist in the laundering and repair of costumes as needed.
• Attend regular shop meetings.
• Contribute to the training of Emerging Professional Residents.
• Actively participate in creating a clean, safe, and healthy work environment.
• Participate in educational and outreach events.
• Assist with the Curtain Call Ball as needed.

Schedule

The bulk of the work hours will happen during regular business hours, with some nights and weekends. For the 2025/26 Season, the planned dates of employment are August 25, 2025 to May 31, 2026. Start date is negotiable for the right candidate.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 2 years of stitching experience in a professional environment.
• Familiarity with industry standard costume construction techniques, including tailoring.
• A keen eye and the ability to prioritize, multitask, and lead Stitchers through projects.
• Experience creating garments from flat pattern and draped mockups.
• Knowledge of modern and historical costume periods, styles, and fabrications.
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance of a variety of sewing machines, including: industrial and domestic machines, sergers, and blind hemmers.

Milwaukee Rep Values Employees Who:

• Communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues, and are able to accept and incorporate feedback.
• Demonstrate an aptitude and eagerness to learn new skills and processes when necessary.
• Solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges individually and in a group environment.
• Have excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills and ability to be self-directed and take initiative
• Exhibit grace and good humor under pressure.
• Demonstrate a commitment to our mission and core values both in the workplace and in our community. Learn more about our mission and core values here.

Physical Conditions:

The physical conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Able to work with your hands for 2-4 hours at a time.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to discern color and fine detail.
• Must be able to lift 20 Lbs. unassisted.
• Must be able to climb stairs.