Costume Craftsperson

OVERVIEW
Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.   

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.  

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. 

 

JOB STATEMENT

The Costume Craftsperson is responsible for the realization of any costume craft needs for all Alley Theatre productions. 


JOB DUTIES

• Facilitate all craft needs for Alley Theatre productions. This may include- but is not limited to- hats, shoes, jewelry, purses/bags, gloves, armor, masks, fabric dyeing or painting, fabric/garment distressing, or other specialty pieces. 

• Provide feedback about potential craft projects to the Costume Director and/or Associate Costume Director once Costume Finals have been submitted; communicate any labor or materials needs that would facilitate the craft production process. 

• Research any processes, materials, or ideas to complete craft projects; develop plans for assigned projects; provide samples for design approval, as needed; communicate any design questions or needs to staff Costume Design Associates.  

• Construct, refurbish, or adapt any costume accessory items (i.e. shoes, jewelry, fans, gloves, masks, etc.), hats, or headwear needed to complete a production’s design. 

• Construct- or assist other Costume Shop Staff in the creation of- any unusual costumes (i.e. fantasy costumes, mascots, animals, etc.). 

• Delegate projects to other Costume Shop Staff or overhire Costume or Craft Technicians to advance workflow; provide instruction or training, as needed. 

• Assist in the costume construction and alteration process- when not actively working on craft projects- as requested by the Associate Costume Director. 

• Assist Shop Staff with costume hardware (grommeting, corset boning, lacing tips, etc.).  

• Communicate local shopping or errand needs (i.e. shoe repair, shoe rubbering, etc.) to the staff Costume Design Associates/Assistants and Associate Costume Director. 

• Communicate any craft fitting needs that advance the costume craft production process to the Associate Costume Director.  

• Prepare needed craft items for costume and wig fittings; attend costume and wig fittings, as needed or requested; take any notes that advance craft projects and needs; share notes with appropriate Costume Management staff. 

• Finish all craft projects according to deadlines determined by the Costume Department’s production schedule and within Department resources. 

• Maintain the physical plant of the Costume Department’s craft work spaces; notify the Associate Costume Director of necessary repairs or facility improvements. 

• Monitor and maintain the supplies needed in the Costume Department’s craft work spaces; inform the Associate Costume Director of any material or supply needs.  

• Keep informed about industry standards, new techniques, and products.  

• Attend Costume Department and Alley Theatre Meetings, as scheduled.  

• Share feedback about the production process with the Associate Costume Director in advance of post-mortems.  

• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies.  

• With the Costume Director and Associate Costume Director, represent the Costume Department at any Production Safety Meetings and/or Presentations.  

• Additional duties as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

• Must have prior costume and craft experience in a theatre setting. 

• Three years’ experience working in a professional theatre production setting, preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience in millinery (fabric, buckram, felt, straw), jewelry modification, shoe modification, leatherwork, feather work, mask-making, and hand and machine stitching.  

• Demonstrated experience in fabric dyeing, painting, and textile manipulation. 

• Experience with 3-D printing processes, tools, and equipment, a plus. 

• Working knowledge of costume and fashion history. 

• Experience in the safe handling of materials used in the costume craft production process. 

• Well-developed organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbally and in writing. 

• Strong time management and decision-making skills.  

• Ability to problem-solve, remain flexible, and adapt. 

• Ability to excel and remain detail-oriented in a work environment where multiple projects with specific deadlines overlap.  

• Ability to take initiative on assigned projects. 

• Ability to work both independently and with other staff members to achieve goals, prioritizing team building and teamwork. 

• Ability to work inclusively, and communicate about people, body types, hair types, skin tones, gender with neutral/positive language. 

• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American Theatre, and/or a commitment to learning and joining Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.  

 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, table, or computer to work on projects. 

• Prolonged periods of standing to work on projects.  

• Ability to position oneself to accommodate costume fitting needs. 

• Ability to lift and move 25 lbs., either independently or with assistance. 

• Ability to climb stairs or step ladders. 

• Must be able to wear a respirator and follow necessary safety protocol and guidelines.  

• Typical hours are during the day, Monday through Friday, but this position may need to work overtime during the production process.  

 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance 

• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time 

• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible) 

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances  

• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking. 

• Discounted gym membership 

• Employee wellness program & EAP 

• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax. 

 

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply. 
https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment 

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.  

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.