Hendersonville Theatre, established in 1966, is a nonprofit 501(c)3, the only community-based performing arts organization in Hendersonville, NC. Its core mission, “to inspire, nurture, enrich, empower, educate, entertain and challenge artists and audiences,” is realized through an extensive array of vibrant performances, active community involvement, and comprehensive performing arts education. Hendersonville, under the artistic direction of Victoria Lamberth, produces over 40 theatrical and musical performances every year. They present six major full theatre productions annually, reader’s theatre productions, and numerous community initiatives. Hendersonville Theatre’s education programs, catering to a diverse range of students of all ages, offer educational opportunities encompassing theatre and dance for various ages and skill levels.
Hendersonville Theatre is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at all levels of the organization. Hendersonville Theatre is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment for all artists, staff, students, educators, scholars, theatergoers, visitors, and volunteers.
Position Summary
The Costume Shop Supervisor is responsible for coordinating, supervising, and assisting in all activities in Hendersonville Theatre’s Costume Shop and all costume, including hair and makeup-related, activities; overseeing, guiding, and supporting volunteers through the day-to-day operations in the Costume Shop; advising show costume designers, maintaining equipment, ordering/purchasing needed supplies, organizing materials and costume stock areas, overseeing pulling and of costumes for productions; maintaining open and positive communication with HT staff; attending staff meetings and requested production meetings; designing costumes, hair, and makeup for shows if desired; keeping budget records as deemed necessary; developing and enforcing safety procedures for proper operations of equipment; maintaining a clean and safe working environment; and performing other related duties as assigned. (Please note, at this time, the costume shop is still being organized and set up to run efficiently. Cleaning and organizing will be top priorities for this position, along with overseeing costume usage for the theatre.)
Roles and Responsibilities
Responsible for the costume shop’s day-to-day operations and supervising all activities associated with the shop, including rentals.
Duties include overseeing the pulling, building, renting, and purchasing of all costume, hair, and makeup elements; maintaining equipment and supplies for the costume shop and costume-related stage areas; organizing and maintaining all costume storage areas; attending pertinent production and staff meetings, and designing costumes, hair, and makeup for productions as needed.
Supervises production crews and guest designers in constructing and acquiring costumes, hair/wigs, and makeup for productions.
Oversees strike/load out of each production to ensure that all costumes, hair, and makeup pieces are properly and efficiently cleaned and stored correctly and that the facility is left in an orderly and clean state immediately following an event.
Ensures that costumes maintain their appearance and are appropriately cleaned during and after productions.
Supervise costume shop interns and volunteers for Hendersonville Theatre.
Works with production costume designers to ensure they know HT’s stock and don’t make unnecessary purchases.
Train and supervise designers and volunteers working on HT productions using all costume, hair, and makeup equipment.
As needed, instruct designers and volunteers on particular techniques, such as safety precautions while operating equipment.
Maintain an organized, productive, and clean workspace in the costume-related areas, ensuring the correct placement of tools, equipment, and supplies.
Maintain safety and security in all HT facilities.
Order basic shop supplies as needed.
Oversee production personnel to ensure production designs comply with licensing, health, and safety regulations.
Monitor the safe use of equipment such as industrial sewing machines and hand tools and modify safety procedures as necessary.
Maintain tools and equipment in production areas such as domestic sewing machines, industrial sewing machines, ironing/pressing equipment, dress forms, hair and makeup-related equipment, and other items specifically related to the production aspects of the program.
Perform regular visual inspections to ensure equipment remains in good working condition.
Work with vendors to conduct annual inspections and repairs as needed.
Maintain safety documentation.
Report/assess any injuries as needed.
Provide and maintain an ongoing program of facility safety and repair.
Assist in developing production budget policies in consultation with the Artistic Director to ensure the effective meeting of the needs of planned productions and related activities.
Maintain internal budget records and distribute financial activity reports and budget status reports every month or as needed.
Work with production personnel to ensure policies and procedures are followed in all financial transactions.
Remain aware of the needs and availability of the creative team, production spaces, and the theatrical calendar.
Maintain up-to-date inventory of equipment for theatre and production areas.
Coordinate with production teams to maintain and improve shop conditions and schedule maintenance as necessary.
Receive and process donations in an organized manner, following legal and federal guidelines while serving as a positive ambassador for the theatre.
Assist with maintaining volunteer worker logs.
Makes recommendations to the Technical Director regarding capital purchases of equipment and seeks cost-effective solutions
Refrains from alcohol and drug use while working in the theatre.
Required Qualifications
Theatre experience; training and experience in costume design and the ability to build, adapt, and maintain costumes, hair, and makeup for the stage required; progressively responsible work experience in costume, hair, and makeup production and accountable experience in costume shop management is a plus but not required; prior work experience in an environment that work of quality needed to be completed within absolute deadlines and effective communication with co-workers and volunteers is preferred.
Knowledge of theatrical production techniques concerning costume design and construction, including draping, patterning and cutting, costume crafts, hair, and makeup.
Knowledge of theatrical production equipment; ability to safely and efficiently use and teach costume designers and volunteers to use all costume, makeup, and hair tools and equipment.
Knowledge of general computer skills and programs, including Google Workspace and Spreadsheet.
Knowledge of the theatrical production environment’s budget process and financial management principles.
Knowledge of safety guidelines (OSHA) and ability and willingness to learn rules and procedures.
Ability to supervise effectively.
Ability to be flexible in setting work schedules and tolerance for adaptability when working with diverse volunteers, artists, technicians, and other groups.
Ability to effectively communicate interpersonal, written, and oral and express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly using practical negotiation skills.
Ability to demonstrate time management, multitasking, and organizational skills for planning, scheduling, and record-keeping; effectively prioritize assignments and projects.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to effectively prepare and clean costumes, hair, and makeup and set up the spaces required for preparing these aspects for performances.
Ability to cooperate, get along with a supervisor, and work well with co-workers, the theatrical community, and the public.
Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the work of others.
Ability to maintain an accurate inventory of equipment.
Ability to ensure a safe theatre environment for volunteers, staff, and the public.
Ability to perform occasional heavy lifting.
Compensation and Benefits
This Costume Shop Supervisor position is part-time and flexible, requiring a maximum commitment of 20 monthly hours. Applications should include a detailed cover letter, resume, and three references emailed to [email protected].
EO Statement
Hendersonville Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to celebrating diversity and intentionally creating a culture of inclusion. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, citizenship status, family medical history, or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state or local law.