Draper Workroom Supervisor

The Draper Workroom Supervisor at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is responsible for bringing costume designs to life, transforming two-dimensional sketches into three-dimensional, wearable garments. The ideal candidate excels at interpreting designers' renderings, works efficiently under tight deadlines, and is committed to producing high-quality work while overseeing the day-to-day operations of the costume shop.

Essential Duties

• Model CST’s core values: Service, ingenuity, and collaboration, ensuring the team delivers exceptional customer service.
• Champion equity and inclusivity: Foster a respectful and inclusive work environment aligned with CST’s commitment to diversity.
• Understand work assignments: Discuss and confirm costume scope and responsibilities with the Costume Shop Manager.
• Review designs: Collaborate with the costume designer and/or assistant to fully understand design goals, including fit, shape, and style.
• Oversee fabrication: Supervise the creation of garments, including draping, patterning, fitting, adjusting, and final construction.
• Ensure quality control: Review finished garments to ensure they meet high standards of craftsmanship and accuracy.
• Manage schedules: Ensure costumes are completed on time and meet deadlines.
• Purchase and maintain supplies: Oversee procurement of workroom materials and machinery.
• Supervise staff: Manage the work of first hands, stitchers, and overhire personnel, ensuring efficient and effective workflow.

Additional Duties

• Alterations and fittings: Supervise fitting and alterations of rented and purchased costume pieces.
• Maintain workspace: Ensure a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support IDEA initiatives: Actively engage in CST's diversity, equity, and inclusion activities, including committees, events, and training.

Competencies

• Interpersonal skills: Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Time management: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Personnel management: Expertise in supervising a team of technical professionals.
• Garment construction: Expert in draping, pattern making, and period costume techniques.
• Tailoring and sewing: Skilled in both hand and machine sewing, with strong knowledge of men's tailoring.
• Fabric knowledge: Advanced understanding of fabric types, applications, and costume history.
• Theatrical fabrication: Familiarity with theatrical techniques for costume creation.
• Body positivity: Demonstrated commitment to body diversity and inclusivity in costume design.
• Emotional intelligence: Ability to manage emotions and foster team cooperation in a creative environment.

Work Environment

• Work hours: Typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with potential overtime and weekend hours.
• Work location: Primarily at CST facilities on Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, with occasional work at other venues.
• Physical demands: Requires physical tasks such as bending, lifting (up to 15 lbs.), and prolonged standing. Use of costume shop equipment, scissors, irons, and sewing tools.

Minimum Education & Experience

• Experience: 3 years as a cutter/draper in a professional costume shop.
• Education: BA, BFA, or MFA in Costume Technology or equivalent experience.

Additional Skills & Experience

• Familiarity with platforms: Experience using online sharing tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or SharePoint.
• Costume crafts: Basic knowledge of costume crafts and maintenance.
• Unconventional materials: Experience working with a variety of materials in costume design.