Temporary Crafts Artisan

USUO seeks a Crafts Artisan to temporarily join the Costumes Department in a full-time (40 hours/week) capacity. The position is immediately available and will end on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

JOB OVERVIEW:

As a member of the USUO Costume Department, and under the supervision of the Costume Director, and reporting to the Cutter/Draper and Costume Manager with respect to all project workflow and management details, the Crafts Artisan serves as a crucial member of the Costume Department.  This individual will bring an advanced knowledge of all aspects of costume crafts, painting and dyeing to executing technical, hands-on creation.  Our ideal teammate in this role will be as comfortable finishing exquisite costume crafts and painting / dyeing projects as they are at assisting Costume Department members with large-scale project workflow. The areas of work are threefold: costume crafts execution, costume crafts maintenance, and costume stitching as needed. At times, this person may assist or manage both full- and part-time staff (including over-hires) and should be professionally suited to interact with guest designers, contractors, or other third-party contacts. We expect the individual to excel at assisting in organizational projects, to provide creative and collaborative guidance/suggestions for the Costume Department, and to be an excellent and patient instructor with blossoming costume staff members.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Portfolio Management and Fundraising:

• Alter, construct, and clean costume accessories (e.g. hats, jewelry, shoes, armor, etc.).
• Dye, paint, and distress costume accessories, fabrics, costumes.
• Execute stitching, cutting, pattern-making, and setups responsibilities as directed.
• Determine materials and pieces for costume accessories and painting/dyeing.
• Pull costume accessories as directed for fittings.
• Consistently and accurately report all project workflow and project management details to the Cutter/Draper and Costume Manager.
• Collaboratively follow directives of the Cutter/Draper and Costume Manager.
• Assist in fitting costume accessories as needed.
• Maintain costume accessory stock and alert Costume Director of needs in a timely manner.
• Attend dress rehearsals as needed.
• Gain familiarity of mainstage shows by attending room runs and tech rehearsals.
• Assist in managing mainstage load in / load out for assigned shows.
• See to repairs / costume needs on assigned mainstage shows (rehearsals and performances).
• Related duties as assigned.
• Occasional nights and weekends required.

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in theatrical costume crafts construction, alteration, fitting.
• MFA in Costume Technology or commensurate professional experience preferred.
• Knowledge and expertise in costume crafts techniques and materials.
• Advanced painting and dyeing skills.
• Ability to operate all costume workroom and painting / dyeing equipment.
• Ability to work with a team and skillfully delegate work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain stationary for long periods of time.
• Ability to manually work safely with costume shop equipment.
• Ability to occasionally move rolling clothing racks weighing up to 200 pounds.
• Ability to twist, bend, reach, kneel, and lift up to 50 pounds.

SALARY RANGE:

Pay begins at $25/hour, plus excellent benefits.

TO APPLY:

Please apply online @ www.usuo.org/employment and include a cover letter and résumé with your application. Applications with a cover letter will be prioritized.