Costume Aid

Position Title: Costume Aid
Department: Theatre and Arts Park (THT)
Division: Theatre and Arts Park (THT)
Employee Status: Continuous Part-Time (CPT) (25 hours/week)
Type: Support Staff Association (SSA-Union)
Grade: 9
Salary: ($19.11-$21.18 hourly)
FLSA: Non-exempt
ICCB Classification: Tech/Professional
Employment Notice: Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position.

Application Deadline: December 5th, 2025
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Reporting Relationships
Reports To: Director of Theatre and Arts Park
Supervision Exercised: May provides functional supervision to student workers, volunteers, and interns.

Job Summary
The Costume Technician supports all costume construction, alteration, and maintenance for Starlight Theatre productions. This position ensures the quality, functionality, and presentation of costumes through expert cutting, sewing, draping, fitting, repair work, and basic patterning. Advanced patterning skills are a strong asset. The technician collaborates with designers and production staff to realize artistic goals while maintaining the safety, organization, and efficiency of the costume shop. Additionally, the Costume Technician contributes to the educational development of student workers by modeling professional shop practices, providing hands-on guidance, and fostering skill progression in costume construction and maintenance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Construct, alter, and maintain costumes and accessories for theatre productions.
· Cut, stitch, and finish garments using both machine and hand-sewing techniques.
· Interpret patterns, technical renderings, and designer notes for construction.
· Create basic patterns when necessary.
· Fit costumes on actors and make appropriate adjustments.
· Support the rental, cleaning, and organization of the costume stock.
· Maintain and repair costume shop machinery, tools, and workspace.
· Assist with costume distressing, dyeing, painting, and other specialty techniques.
· Train, guide, and oversee student and volunteer workers in costume-related tasks.
· Track costume inventory and maintain accurate storage records.
· Support load-ins, tech rehearsals, and strikes as needed.
· Mentor and support student workers in developing technical skills, time management, and professional work habits within the costume shop.
· Coordinate with faculty or supervisors to align shop training experiences with educational goals.

Minimum Qualifications
· High School Diploma or equivalent required.
· Demonstrated proficiency in sewing, alteration, and garment construction techniques.
· Familiarity with costume shop operations, theatre production processes, and safety practices.
· Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications
· Experience mentoring student workers or volunteers preferred.
· Experience with digital databases (e.g., FileMaker) preferred.

Preferred Attributes
· Commitment to mentoring emerging theatre technicians and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, and operate sewing and pressing equipment safely.