Costume Shop Supervisor and Costume Designer (Part Time)

Lake Forest College seeks a collaborative, student-centered artist, and technician for our Costume Shop Supervisor and Costume Designer (Part Time) role. They will need to be present and involved on campus, build student interest and skills in costume design and production, and foster a safe, inclusive, and inspiring culture for our Costume Shop.

Position Summary:

The Costume Shop Supervisor and Costume Designer is a key member of the theater production team at Lake Forest College. This role is responsible for the design, construction, and management of costumes for departmental theater productions. A core component of this position is the active mentorship and supervision of student workers and aspiring costume designers, cultivating hands-on learning and community engagement in the costume process.

Primary Responsibilities:

Shop Supervisor

• Maintain regular on-campus costume shop hours, with two to three consistent weekly work calls (afternoon or evening), each lasting approximately four hours.
• Supervise weekly costume shop operations, including practicum students, student volunteers, and work-study employees.
• Build a team of trained students with a working knowledge of costume construction and
• Provide hands-on instruction in costume building, alterations, fittings, and machine.
• Coordinate costume shop schedules to meet production.
• Maintain and organize costume shop equipment, tools, storage areas, and
• Order and manage costume shop inventory and
• Ensure costume shop safety procedures and
• Assign, train, and supervise backstage wardrobe crews for each.

Costume Designer

• Design costumes or mentor student designers in the creation and execution of costumes for all departmental theater productions. This currently includes two mainstage departmental productions a year (one each semester) and guidance for student designers working on one student-produced production.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and the production team from concept to
• Work within a predetermined budget and maintain accurate records of
• Participate in fittings, alterations, and technical.
• Ensure quality, functionality, and visual impact of all costume.

Student Mentorship and Outreach

• Mentor student designers and assistant.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for students with varying levels of
• Engage students through outreach, workshops, and open house.
• Support student interest in costume work by promoting involvement and offering opportunities for growth and creative input.

Required Meetings and Events:

• Department Fall Open House Event (first Friday of the semester)
• First Rehearsal with Designer Presentations and Mid-rehearsal Designer Run-Through
• All Technical Rehearsals (Currently seven non-consecutive evening rehearsals over two weeks)
• Opening Night or Closing Performance

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theater Arts, or a related field or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a costume designer or shop supervisor, with a strong design portfolio
• Advanced skills in sewing, tailoring, and fabric modification
• Effective training and mentoring skills
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Commitment to inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered practices
• Ability to work during the academic year.
• Ability to work flexible hours during production periods (some evenings/weekends required)
• Strong leadership and team-building skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for teaching and mentoring students in both technical and artistic aspects of costume work
• Familiarity with sustainable costume practices, recycling, and rental coordination
• Experience working in a liberal art or academic environment.
• Masters degree

Pay & Benefits:

Pay rate: $7,000 per semester (paid in monthly installments from September-June)

Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

More information about the department can be found at: Theater | Lake Forest College

Interested candidates should e-mail a brief cover letter, a link to past work or portfolio and resume to Bob Knuth, Director of Theater, ... . Please, no phone calls.

If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College