TITLE: Draper – The Wizard of Oz

REPORTS TO: Costume Director

STATUS: Temporary/Full Time/Hourly

RATE: $25 per hour

ABOUT A.C.T.

American Conservatory Theater is an essential gathering place that brings artists and communities together to inspire and provoke. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Pam MacKinnon and Executive Director Jennifer Bielstein, A.C.T.’s mission is to engage the spirit of the San Francisco Bay Area, activate stories that resonate, promote a diversity of voices and points of view, and empower theater makers and audiences to celebrate liveness. A.C.T. values inclusion, transformational learning, participation, and rigorous fun. A.C.T. is a Tony Award–winning nonprofit theater serving almost 200,000 people in the San Francisco Bay Area annually through theater, training, and education and community programs.

Position Purpose:

The Draper oversees the creation of all costumes for A.C.T., by creating the patterns, implementing and managing the construction, fittings, and alterations of specific costumes as designed by the Costume Designer(s) and directed by the Costume Director. The position will support The Wizard of Oz production between dates from April 10, 2023 through June 11, 2023, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities: (please note, this list is not exhaustive, but rather a representation of job duties)

• Creates the costumes under the direction of the Costume Director in any form the Director uses (i.e. sketch, research, source material, existing pattern and or verbal description from scratch, purchased retail items, and from A.C.T. stock
• Takes measurements of the actors
• Determines yardage of fabric, notions, and trim necessary to be purchased for projects
• Fabricates patterns, either by draping or flat patterning for made to order garments
• Cuts or supervises the cutting of all fabric for a costume from the patterns
• Fits the costume or mockup to the actor
• Corrects patterns and alters costumes as necessary
• Maintains the integrity of the costume design through interpretation of the sketches and/or research as well as maintaining the overall standards of A.C.T. productions
• Collaborates and communicates with all A.C.T. departments and all those involved in the costume construction process including supervisors, designers, assistant designers and workroom staff, as well as guest artists
• Attends technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and previews as necessary or as assigned by the Costume Director
• Recommends supplies, tools, and materials for general seasonal and show specific inventory
• Manages personnel safety and upholds workroom safety protocols and also participates in all required training
• Attends staff meetings as assigned by Costume Director
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Qualities:

Required/Minimum Qualifications or Basic Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Alignment with A.C.T.’s Mission, Values and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Significant experience (at least two years) in high level professional theatrical costuming
• College level design/technical costume degree or equivalent combination of life/work experience
• Working knowledge of industrial and home sewing machines. Ability to operate and maintain a variety of machines
• Demonstrated proficiency in flat pattern making and draping
• Knowledge of and experience in a variety of costume construction techniques
• Knowledge of and experience in both men's and ladies' tailoring techniques
• Understanding of period shape and how to adapt concepts to theatrical costumes
• Good working knowledge of fabric types and uses
• Excellent crew management skills including but not limited to: time management, work flow management, and interpersonal and collaborative communication skills
• Online and offline research experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with A.C.T. colleagues and stakeholders.
• Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Travel between any/all A.C.T. locations
• Work in a detail oriented manner, be resourceful and flexible, and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Effective problem solving / troubleshooting
• Face demanding situations with tenacity and sensitivity
• Work independently and as part of team
• Work irregular hours and weekend shifts as required
• Lift / carry heavy loads (up to 25lbs.) and standing for extended periods is required
• Ability to kneel and crouch during fittings. Ability to climb ladders. Must be able to constantly move about to coordinate work in a crowded shop with multiple shows/projects around
• May be required to work in cramped or uncomfortable positions for long periods of time

• 
  A.C.T. requires all employees to be fully vaccinated. Medical and Religious exemptions will need to be approved by Human Resources.

Diversity makes us stronger. If youd like to learn more about A.C.T. EDI values, Mission, Vision and culture go to Mission, Values, and EDI | American Conservatory Theater (act-sf.org) ACT is committed to diversity in its programming and creating an inclusive work culture and environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.