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Nashville Ballet

Costume Shop Manager

Nashville Ballet

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Job Summary

The Costume Shop Manager’s primary focus is to oversee the design, creation, and execution of all costumes for all Company, NB2, and School of Nashville Ballet productions, including, but not limited to, financial planning and oversight, management of the Costume Shop Staff consisting of the Cutter-Draper/Shop Assistant, Wardrobe Supervisor, Shoe Manager as well as the overhire cutters and stitchers. The logistical coordination, and serving as liaison to the artistic staff and dancers is also included. The Costume Shop Manager works closely with the Artistic Director, NB2 Director, School Director, and Director of Production to coordinate all costume needs well in advance of each production for the main Company, NB2, and the School of Nashville Ballet.

Job Responsibilities

  • The Costume Shop Manager shall be responsible for all aspects of costumes, accessories, and costume props for Nashville Ballet Company, NB2 and School performances. It is understood that the goal of the Costume Shop Manager shall be to help create and maintain the “vision” of the Artistic Director, choreographer, and designers while providing a safe working environment for the dancers and crew.
  • The Costume Shop Manager works as a liaison between a Designer and Costume Shop to maintain artistic intent within the financial and time resources.
  • The Costume Shop Manager Assist in creating upcoming costume budget projections: regular budget monitoring throughout the season.
  • The Costume Shop Manager will have a thorough and working knowledge of existing Nashville Ballet costume inventory to facilitate the use of in-house inventory in order to ease the design/build costs for the School and NB2 performances.
  • The Costume Shop Manager will oversee the pulling, restocking, fitting, and altering of costumes for all appearances, photo shoots, recitals, and other events for marketing, special events, the School of Nashville Ballet, and Outreach.
  • Responsible for organizing and maintaining the costume shop, including all equipment and costume storage.
  • The Costume Shop Manager will attend production meetings and enough studio rehearsals to have a working knowledge of the performances: attend all technical/dress rehearsals and performances as assigned.
  • Managerial responsibilities include hiring process for all overhire stitchers, dressers, laundry and wig/make-up staff with the Senior Human Resource Specialist (for in-house and for the theater) and collaborating with the Costume Shop Staff when needed to create work assignments for costume shop personnel, backstage dressers, costume assistants with performance deadlines and efficiency in mind. Also responsible for the approval of payroll for all overhire and Costume Shop Staff working during each pay-period of the calendar year.
  • In collaboration with the Costume Shop Staff, this position is responsible for organizing and maintaining the costume shop, including all equipment and costume storage.
  • Managing all incoming and outgoing rentals of costumes.
  • In collaboration with the Cutter/Draper/Shop Assistant, this position is responsible for the ordering of supplies, materials, fabrics, and notions in a timely manner to keep the costume shop operating efficiently.
  • Other duties as skills enable such as dye work, hair/make-up, laundry, etc.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are a non-exhaustive list of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle, feel, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms above the shoulder. The employee is frequently required to sit and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally move up to 75 pounds.  The employee may also expect to move larger loads only under proper safe working conditions.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Qualifications

  1. Education:  Minimum of Masters Degree in theater costume technology or similar arts education or considered to be an expert in this field
  2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
  • Ability to create and manage a timeline both daily and seasonally.
  • Knowledge of dressing comfort and safety for performers.
  • Expert knowledge of costume construction and design.
  • Ability to draft, read, comprehend and interpret working costume design drawings and paperwork.
  • Ability to pattern proficiently.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively with others.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and supportively with colleagues both in Production and Wardrobe and with the Nashville Ballet staff in general.
  • Ability to direct the shop crew (both union and non-union) and communicate effectively the requirements of each production.

3. Experience: minimum of 3-5 years as a costume designer and manager in an associated costuming-based field 

4. Equipment:  Knowledge of shop machines such as sewing, sergers, and steamers to name a few.

Disclaimer Statement: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate description of the current job, or to require that other, or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).

Additional Information

Benefits

  • Eligibility for group health, dental, and vision, as well as voluntary critical illness and accident insurance, including one fully employer-funded health plan and an option for an HSA savings account.
  • Eligibility to make tax-deferred contributions to our 401K plan.
  • Eligibility for two weeks of vacation and sick time.
  • Eligibility for Nashville Ballet sponsored benefits such as complimentary performance tickets and complimentary adult classes in our school, as defined by Nashville Ballet.
  • Access to other benefits offered by our sponsors and partners, defined periodically by them.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@nashvilleballet.com with “Costume Shop Manager” in the subject line.  No phone calls, please.

Details

  • Date Posted: February 25, 2025
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Other
  • Service Area: Arts / Culture
  • Salary Range: 50,000-60,000
  • Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk; M-F 9:00 am - 6 pm, Weekends and evenings as needed