Assistant Costume Designer

Return to all positions

Reports to: Production Manager and Costume Designer

Start date: Late March
Show Date: April 25th & 26th

The Assistant Costume Designer will work closely with the Director, the Costume Designer, and the Production Manager to design and execute a costume plot for the given show. No prior experience required!

The full list of expectations of this position are listed below in accordance with the STA Contract:

Responsibilities and Characteristic Duties:

1. Reads script and determines the costume needs of the production.
2. Creates and maintains the costume plot matrix and costume piece lists.
3. Meets with the director of the production to determine the concept,
4. Research period details, fabric availability, and rental possibilities.
5. Creates the costume color scheme to be used in the production.
6. Sketches ideas into working drawings for the costume construction team, and renderings for Director’s approval.
7. Determines fabric and/or fabric modifications necessary to fulfill ideas determines on renderings
8. Meets scheduled design deadlines and presents those designs/concepts at the design presentation.
9. Responsible for the gathering/building of all costume pieces needed for the production
10. Compiles and maintains production “bible” which includes costume renderings, costume change plot, piece list, and other materials vital to the production
11. Supervises the correct labeling of all items for proper wardrobe identification
12. Collects rental costumes as necessary and manages their return.
13. Attends rehearsal at least once a week and attends final Designer Run.
14. Preps and attends fittings.
15. Attends tech/dress

Expectations

1. Experience in script analysis for a variety of theatrical styles.
2. Research skills.
3. Knowledge of costume and fashion history.
4. Knowledge of fabrics, trims, and notions.
5. Knowledge of basic theatrical cutting and sewing.
6. Experience in drawing and painting skills with a variety of media.
7. Ability to work as a member of a collaborative design team.
8. Interpersonal and communication skills.
9. Good time management skills.
10. Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations.

All positions at BlueJay Theater Collective must adhere to the mission statement and core values of the organization, both of which are listed below:

Mission Statement: BlueJay is a Dramatic Theater-based student organization at Emerson College. Their purpose as a collective and organization is to execute and depict relatable theater in which their young-adult and college-aged audiences can see themselves accurately portrayed onstage. In doing so, BlueJay will also work to make audition material accessible for students who are struggling to find text that suits their age group, gender identity, relationship to the content, and/or more, creating a collection of literary materials available for use. They aim to appeal to and uplift the demographic they are working with in creating an inclusive, professional, and familial work environment, as well as creating a space in which actors, designers, Managers, and staff feel supported and encouraged to share their ideas. Their goal is to inspire the artistic spirits of young creatives through proper representation and relatability.

The objectives and goals for BlueJay Theater Collective:

• Execute relatable theater.
• Create a platform for students to access audition materials that appeal to their demographic.
• Provide opportunities for performers to feel personally connected to the characters they portray.
• Reflect on and depict honest stories that will impact the audience beyond the world of theater.
• Create an inclusive, accepting, and collaborative work environment.
• Encourage growth and learning as a collective.
• Inspire joy and excitement for the art we create to influence the communities that surround us.
• Aim to foster an equitable and unbiased space for all.