2026-2027 Costumer Designer and Teacher, Part-Time
COSTUME DESIGNER AND TEACHER
Kimball Union Academy (KUA) seeks a teaching artist and production leader responsible for guiding students through the full costume design and construction process for a part-time role working on two annual productions, a fall play and a winter musical. This role combines classroom-style instruction, hands-on mentorship, and production management, with an emphasis on developing student skills in design, research, construction, and wardrobe execution.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Student Instruction & Mentorship
- Provide on-site instruction for students, 5 days per week, for approximately 2 hours per session during each production season:
- Fall Play: ~September 1 – November 15
- Winter Musical: ~December 1 – March 1
- Develop and deliver instruction in:
- Costume research and visual analysis
- Design principles (silhouette, color, texture, period/style)
- Rendering and design communication
- Sewing and garment construction techniques
- Costume maintenance and organization (cleaning, inventorying)
- Assign and oversee independent work for students on non-instruction days, ensuring continuity of progress
- Support students in progressing from entry-level participants to increasingly independent designers and technicians
Costume Design & Production
- Lead the costume design process for each production in collaboration with the Director
- Guide students through:
- Script analysis and concept development
- Research (historical, cultural, stylistic)
- Sketching/rendering and design presentation
- Supervise all aspects of costume production, including:
- Building, pulling, and sourcing costumes
- Alterations and fittings
- Budget-conscious decision-making
- Ensure costumes are completed on schedule and meet performance needs
Wardrobe & Run of Show Responsibilities
- Train students to transition from costume shop roles to wardrobe crew positions
- Establish and oversee wardrobe procedures, including:
- Quick changes
- Costume tracking and maintenance
- Pre-show checks and post-show care
- Supervise wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals and performances
- Attend key rehearsals as needed (design run, tech week, dress rehearsals, performances)
Costume Shop & Inventory Management
- Maintain and organize the costume shop and storage areas
- Track costume inventory, including:
- Cataloging existing stock
- Monitoring condition and repair needs
- Managing check-in/check-out systems
- Oversee use and maintenance of equipment (sewing machines, irons, etc.)
- Ensure a safe and clean working environment for students
Collaboration & Communication
- Collaborate regularly with:
- Director
- Technical Director
- Stage Manager
- Other design staff
- Participate in production meetings as needed
- Communicate clearly with students regarding expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in costume design, construction, or theatrical production
- Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor high school-aged students
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Working knowledge of sewing, patterning, and costume construction techniques
- Ability to balance educational goals with production deadlines
- Prior experience in an educational or youth theater setting preferred
- Background in theatrical design or related field (degree or equivalent experience) preferred
KEY SKILLS
- Collaborative and student-centered approach
- Ability to scaffold instruction for varying skill levels
- Strong time management and problem-solving skills
- Ability to transition between tasks and timelines and identify priorities
- Flexibility and creativity in a fast-paced production environment
- Interpersonal savvy, which includes relating comfortably to a variety of personalities; cultivating and maintaining positive relationships; employing discretion, diplomacy, and tact
- Commitment to creating an equitable work environment, which includes use of gender inclusive language; support for individual gender expression, racial equity and inter-generational collaboration; accessibility for people with disabilities; and cultural sensitivity
TIME COMMITMENT
- Two primary production seasons:
- Fall Play: Sept 1 – Nov 15
- Winter Musical: Dec 1 – March 1
- Instruction: 5 days/week, ~2 hours/day (Monday-Saturday afternoons)
- Additional time for:
- Production planning
- Technical rehearsals and performances
- Costume prep and organization
- Other duties assigned by the director or necessitated by the production
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should Apply Online or submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to hr@kua.org
