Position Title: Costume Shop Manager (Full-Time OPS, 12-Month Appointment)
Department: Theatre and Dance / Theatre LAB at FAU
Reports To: Chair, FAU Department of Theatre and Dance

 

Position summary
The Costume Shop Manager is a full-time OPS staff position responsible for the daily operation of costume facilities and the planning, execution, and supervision of all costume work for the FAU Department of Theatre and Dance. This role collaborates closely with Costume Design faculty, guest artists, and production teams to realize costume designs that meet artistic, functional, and safety standards. The position supports academic and some professional productions while fostering a positive, inclusive, and learning-centered shop environment for students.

 

Primary responsibilities

  • Oversee the construction, alteration, fitting, maintenance, and completion of all costume elements in accordance with production deadlines.
  • Collaborate with Costume Design faculty, guest designers, and student designers to implement costume designs for each production.
  • Plan and manage costume shop workflows, build schedules, and labor allocation for all productions.
  • Serve as the primary skilled technician in costume construction, including patterning, draping, stitching, and costume crafts.
  • Supervise and train student workers, wardrobe crews, and assistants in costume construction, fittings, maintenance, and safe shop practices.
  • Coordinate costume fittings, communication, and scheduling with stage management and production teams.
  • Oversee wardrobe operations during technical rehearsals and performances, including dress rehearsals, run crew supervision, and strike.
  • Maintain costume inventory, stock, materials, and equipment, including organization, storage, and tracking systems.
  • Facilitate the acquisition, sourcing, and borrowing of costume materials and finished pieces, including managing external costume loan agreements.
    Support student designers and student-led productions in their use of costume resources and shop facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards in costume shop operations, including equipment use and workspace practices.
  • Participate in production meetings, design run-throughs, and rehearsals as needed to support costume integration.
  • Contribute to a collaborative and professional production environment that supports student learning and departmental goals.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Theatre in Costume Technology, Costume Design, or a related field preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in costume construction, patterning, draping, tailoring, dancewear, and costume crafts.
  • Working knowledge of wigs, hair, and stage makeup.
  • Understanding of theatre production processes, budgeting, and shop operations.
    Experience supervising and working with student labor in an educational or professional theatre setting.
  • Strong organizational, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with designers, directors, faculty, and production staff.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and educational environment.
  • Preferred: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Costume Technology, Costume Design, or a closely related field; experience in a professional or academic theatre environment; and familiarity with digital tools for paint elevation creation, props research, and documentation.
     

Teaching opportunities
Qualified candidates may be considered for limited instructional activities, including teaching up to one introductory-level undergraduate course per year or supervising student lab work and shop-based learning. Such instructional duties are dependent on departmental needs and may be assigned as part of the position.


Compensation and appointment

This is a full-time OPS staff position (12 months), renewable annually based on performance and funding. The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $48,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Health benefits are available. Position is anticipated to work 9am to 5pm weekdays, with occasional nights and weekends to support technical rehearsals.

 

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, representative portfolio example, and two reference contacts to:

                Thomas Shorrock
                Chair, Department of Theatre and Dance
                Florida Atlantic University
                shorrock@fau.edu

 

Application is open until filled. Anticipated start is July 15, 2026