Costume Designer (part-time; 20 hrs/week)

Position: Costume Designer

Department: Upper School - Performing Arts

Location: Kellner, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA

Hours: Part-time (20 hrs/week) with the flexibility to work nights and weekends

FLSA: Exempt

Classification: Staff (Academic Year)

Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located just outside of Boston.

Milton Academy cultivates in our students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Milton students grow by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experiences of others, and living and working among peers whose differences they accept with respect and care.

In our ongoing work to create an environment that confronts bias, injustice, and bigotry, we encourage each other to be open to learning, explore our histories and identities, and seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens. At Milton, we prepare students to partner with their future communities to create a more just world, and to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, “Dare to be true.”

Summary of Position:

Milton Academy is seeking a creative and passionate Costume Designer to join our performing arts department. The Costume Designer will be responsible for creating and managing the costumes for Milton’s Upper School theatrical productions, Dance performances, and other related events throughout the academic year. This role requires a combination of artistic talent, organizational skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues. The Costume Designer will play a critical role in bringing the creative vision of Milton’s performing arts productions to life. If you have a keen eye for detail, artistic flair, and a passion for enhancing the theatrical experience, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

This is a one year position for the 2024-2025 academic year; the position may be eligible for renewal depending on the school needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Design and Conceptualization:

• Collaborate with directors and other members of the production team to develop a creative vision for costumes that aligns with the overall production concept.

• Research historical, thematic, and artistic references to inform design choices and ensure authenticity and accuracy when appropriate.

• Design costumes that enhance the storytelling, character development, and visual appeal of each production.

Costume Management

• Create and maintain accurate inventories and care of costumes, accessories, and related materials.

• Develop, modify, or adapt existing costumes, or create new costumes as needed, based on the given production requirements.

• Ensure that all costumes are properly fitted to actors and make necessary alterations or adjustments as required.

• Oversee costume fittings, tracking deadlines, and maintaining proper organization throughout the production process.

• Coordinate costume changes during performances, including quick changes, and provide backstage assistance and support to actors when necessary.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the props department to ensure alignment between costumes and props, when necessary.

• Communicate effectively with faculty and students regarding costume-related matters.

• Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances (nights and weekends)

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Manage costume budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient use of available resources.

• Coordinate the purchase, rental, borrowing, or construction of costumes within the allocated budget and according to production requirements.

Sewing and Construction Skills:

• Proficiency in sewing, pattern making, and costume construction, along with an understanding of different fabrics and materials and how they work in various designs.

Knowledge of Costume History and Design:

• An understanding of historical costume designs and trends, as well as the ability to adapt these for modern interpretations when necessary.

Educational Skills:

• Particularly in a high school setting, the ability to educate and involve students in the costume design process, providing them with learning opportunities in areas like design, sewing, and project management.

Organization:

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple costumes, accessories, and fittings for a large cast, ensuring that each piece is accounted for and maintained throughout the production.

Cultural Sensitivity:

• Awareness and respect for cultural and diversity considerations in costume design, ensuring that representations are respectful and appropriate.

Community

• Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for.

• Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students.

Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities

• Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members.

• Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based in a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community.

• Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents.

• Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging.

• Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development in alignment with the upper school’s growth statements.

• Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.

• Meet deadlines.

• Complete school-required training.

• Abide by the school’s policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks.

• Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation.

Supervision to be received: Supervised by the Performing Arts Department Chair.

Supervision to be exercised: None.

Education/Certification/Licensure

Required: A bachelor’s degree

Experience

Required: A minimum of three years of proven experience costuming for theatrical productions or similar events.

Preferred: Experience working in an independent boarding / day school

Competencies

Required:

• Strong understanding of costume history, period styles, and their appropriate application.

• Proficiency in costume construction techniques, including sewing, altering, and fitting.

• The ability to adapt to changes and solve unexpected problems that may arise during the costume creation process, such as last-minute alterations or repairs.

• Ability to work within tight timelines, prioritizing tasks to ensure costumes are ready for dress rehearsals and the final production.

• Well-developed organizational and multitasking skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated computer expertise, including GoogleSuite, Microsoft Word, and Adobe.

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies.

• Understanding of confidentiality and related issues.

• Receptive to supervision and professional development.

• Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community.

Physical Abilities

Required:

• Must be able to work at a computer for up to 8 hours each day in conjunction with OSHA requirements.

• Must be able to teach in a classroom setting and use relevant instructional technology.

• Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction.

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and inform your supervisor as soon as possible.

The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time.

An equal opportunity employer, Milton embraces diversity and the pursuit of excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race (including natural and protective hairstyle), color, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, religious creed, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship, national or ethnic origin or any other status protected by applicable law.