Costume Shop Manager

The School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech is seeking a Costume Shop Manager for the B.A. and M.F.A. Theatre programs, starting Fall 2025. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. More information can be found at sopa.vt.edu.

The Costume Shop Manager will oversee all aspects of costuming for productions of varying scales each year, through required introductory and advanced lab courses for undergraduate and graduate students. This role involves setting positive, respectful, and professional standards for all projects. Key responsibilities include training, supervising, and scheduling students, serving as principal cutter/draper, tracking budgets, purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment, overseeing the costume inventory and storage facility, and managing donations. This position requires professional-level management skills, custom draping and patterning, and related costume craft skills, ensuring a clean, safe, and respectful workplace environment. The role strategically aligns with the addition of the Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management program joining the College, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and enriching the learning experience for students interested in both theatre and fashion/apparel design. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Fashion and Apparel.

This is an academic year (9-month) position with an initial contract for August 2025-May 2026 with the opportunity for renewal.

Position Expectations and Duties
• Manage and supervise all aspects of costuming for productions through introductory and advanced lab courses for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Serve as the principal cutter/draper, ensuring high standards in costume construction.
• Train, supervise, and schedule students, including those in production lab courses and GA/GTA students.
• Track budgets, purchase supplies, and maintain financial records.
• Maintain costume shop machinery and related supplies.
• Oversee the costume inventory and storage facility, including managing donations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and respectful workplace environment, setting positive and professional standards for all projects.
• Facilitate collaboration with the Fashion Merchandising and Design program, enriching the learning experience for students interested in both theatre and fashion/apparel design.

• BA in Theatre (or related discipline) with an emphasis in costume construction and technology, or extensive experience in a professional or university costume shop.
• Proficiency in flat patterning, draping, cutting, construction, fitting, and crafts, and understanding of costume history, machinery used in costuming, and industry safety standards.
• Ability to handle up to 30 pounds and possess a valid driver’s license.

• Managerial experience in a professional or university costume shop.
• Experience in Fashion and Apparel, facilitating collaboration with the Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management program.
• Commitment to teaching excellence, student mentorship, and professional engagement within the academic community.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Salary range is $53,000 - $58,000 per year

40+

June 9, 2025

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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