Costume Shop Manager/ Adjunct Faculty, Costume Design and Technology

About Shenandoah Conservatory: Founded in 1875, Shenandoah Conservatory has an extraordinary legacy of shaping the arts in Virginia and beyond. Located at the head of the beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA, the Conservatory is now home to over 700 students from across the nation and globe enrolled in baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral curricula in the areas of music, theater, and dance, and includes a distinguished faculty of more than 125, half of whom are full-time. Based on the main campus of Shenandoah University, the Conservatory is within easy driving distance of Washington, DC and is easily accessible internationally via Dulles International Airport. As a visionary and collaborative arts community, Shenandoah Conservatory educates motivated students in a supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success.

The Shenandoah Conservatory is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join our team in a newly created position as the Costume Shop Manager, and to serve as an adjunct faculty member for Costume Design and Technology.

Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory’s Executive Director for Performances and Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Costume Shop Manager supports the general operational and production needs of the Conservatory, with a specialized focus on the costuming needs of the Theatre Division, Dance Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as guest artist performances and other university events, as assigned.

In addition to overseeing and managing the costume shop year round, this position collaborates closely with costume design faculty, students, and guest artists/designers to provide costumes and support for performances and rehearsals; trains and supervises costume shop staff (including seasonal staff, work study students, and Theatre Design and Production students); serves as a costume designer for select performances; and teaches one Costume Design and Technology course per semester, as needed.

An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: knowledge of strong draping, flat patterning, and advanced construction skills; management and mentorship of variously skilled labor; and time and project management.

Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working environment; a working knowledge of costume shop and dye room safety practices; and a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Teaching and/or academic advising experience on the college level is a plus. An MFA in costume design and/or technology, or equivalent professional experience, is required.

This position requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and an ability to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.

This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with benefits and requires evening and weekend work. This position requires a current driver license and the ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage year round Costume Shop operations, which supports productions by the conservatory’s academic divisions and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist performances
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to construct costumes and provide staffing support for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and academic year productions, including Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, Opera, Dance Concerts, Performing Arts Live guest artist performances; Holiday Gala; Convocation; and other special events; provide/construct costumes and serve as cutter/draper, as assigned
• Manage shop operations and logistics for Shenandoah Summer Musical Theatre (SSMT) productions — working with designers to oversee costume construction; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal costume staff; overseeing safe and effective use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting issues as they arise; and assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed
• In collaboration with Costume Design faculty, establish costume shop hours; maintain a consistent presence in the shop to supervise staff and ensure safe practices; and train, schedule, and supervise Costume Shop staff, overseeing seasonal staff, work study students, and students completing lab hours for credit in the shop
• Oversee and maintain Costume Shop equipment, inventory, and budget — take lead on the acquisition of needed materials and stock for shop operations; track inventory of costume stock on campus and in off-campus storage
• Serve as adjunct faculty, teaching one course per semester for Costume Design and Technology (as needed), including courses on stage makeup, introduction toncostuming, etc.
• Serve as Costume Designer for the Conservatory’s Annual Holiday Gala
• Serve with TDP faculty and staff on aligned recruitment and retention activities
• Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed

Required Qualifications:

• MFA or MA in costume design and/or technology or commensurate professional and educational experience
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the maturity to supervise student workers; to efficiently schedule student staffing for the shop, and to effectively administer policies.
• Competence in Google Suite
• Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy contributing in a team work situation.
• Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks, to work under deadlines, and to prioritize workload
• Current Driver’s License

Desired Qualifications:

• Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry
• Teaching at the university level
• Skill set in costume areas in addition to construction (millinery, dye work, costume crafts, tailoring, etc.)

How to Apply: 

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, a link to an online portfolio and contact information for three professional references. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire. 

Shenandoah University values the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.