Rochester Institute of Technology - Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor
Company Information
Rochester Institute of Technology
United States
Rochester, NY
Contact Information
Job Details
Job title: Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor
Date posted: November 11, 2025
Posting expires: December 31, 2025
Job Summary
RIT is seeking a collaborative, dynamic, and experienced costume and wardrobe technician to serve as the Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor for the School of Performing Arts (SPA) in the College of Liberal Arts.
Please note-this position requires the ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis.
Job Responsibilities
The Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of costume production and wardrobe operations for SPA. This role has the unique opportunity to aid in the startup of a brand new costume shop in the forthcoming state-of-the-art 750-seat Music Performance Theater (MPT) at RIT. The role will oversee daily operations of the costume shop including costume construction, repairs, and alterations, fittings, rentals, budgeting, equipment maintenance, stock upkeep, and supervision of costume shop crews. Additionally, this role will oversee wardrobe operations across all SPA productions throughout the duration of the production run. The Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor will ensure a safe, welcoming, and educational working environment.
The position requires the ability to work safely around costume shop machinery, hand tools, laundry machines, and a dye vat. The Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor must be comfortable with/capable of lighting up to 50lbs.
Night and weekend availability is required as needed in support of event production.
Required Qualifications
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree (BA or BFA) OR equivalent experience in Technical Theater or related technical field.
4+ years of experience in costume construction, costume shop management, wardrobe supervision, or related experience
Skills
Significant experience in costume construction and shop management
Experience in wardrobe supervision for live theatre
Strong skills in sewing, draping, patterning, and alterations
Strong skills in costume crafts such as dyeing, millinery, or leatherwork
Experience with makeup and wigs
Operating and maintaining industrial and domestic sewing and serging machines
Familiarity with costume history, design, and wardrobe maintenance
Familiarity with OSHA and ANSI standards.
Operation of a computer and assigned software. Proficiency in Microsoft and Google suite and online meeting platforms such as Zoom essential.
Ability to establish priorities and work independently
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Training and experience serving in a management role in a production department or costume shop at a theater or a related field.
Demonstrated creative judgment, excellent problem-solving skills and detail oriented.
Strong ability to lead a student team in both the shop and live production environments
Ability to meet deadlines and adapt to changing priorities as well as attend to numerous projects concurrently.
Ability to establish, build and maintain effective working relationships based on respect, empathy and honesty with all groups and individuals.
Ability to work extended days, evenings, and weekends on a consistent basis
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a theater or costume design-related field.
Knowledge of Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), or willingness to learn.
Prior experience working in a higher education setting is preferred.
Application link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGnewUI/Search/home/HomeWithPreLoad?partnerid=25483&siteid=5289&PageType=JobDetails&jobid=1581750
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