Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota Florida is seeking a Costume Shop Manager for their 2025/26 season!
Organizational Summary
WBTT is an award-winning nonprofit small professional theatre company celebrating more than 25 years of storytelling! Our mission is to produce professional theatre that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience, engages a broad base of patrons and audiences, supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists and builds confidence in youth of color. Located in Sarasota, Florida, WBTT produces five Mainstage productions in addition to a number of events both on-and-off-site, collaborations, and educational programming.
Job Description
The Costume Shop Manager oversees the daily operations of the costume shop and wardrobe department. This position would lead our costume department personnel in the successful pulling from stock, construction, alteration, maintenance of all costume pieces for all productions, Mainstage and otherwise. This position is responsible for managing staff, organizing effective workflow, continuing costume skill education of our junior staff members. The Costume Shop Manager should maintain WBTT+rsquo;s high standard in costume production while adhering to our non-profit budgets and varying timelines. The Costume Shop Manager collaborates closely with Costume Designers, Production Manager, production teams, and wardrobe staff to deliver costumes as designed by their deadlines.
Reports to the Production Manager
Responsibilities include:
+bull; Supervise the construction, pulling from stock, purchasing, alteration, and fitting of all costume pieces based on designer instructions
+bull; Work with the designer and shop hands to determine materials, fabrics, and costume construction techniques.
+bull; Oversee and execute and collaborate on special costume projects such as distressing, dyeing, and fabric treatments as needed.
+bull; Create and oversee costume shop schedules to ensure timely completion of all builds, alterations, and repairs.
+bull; Manage the workload of all costume department personnel
+bull; Ensure safe and efficient shop practices, including maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
+bull; Monitor supply levels and coordinate with Production Manager to order materials, tools, and equipment as needed.
+bull; Train and manage costume department personnel, ensuring a productive and positive work environment.
+bull; Communicate effectively with costume designers, directors, and production manager to ensure design execution aligns with artistic vision.
+bull; Provide guidance and troubleshooting for technical and construction challenges.
+bull; Oversee costume fittings and alterations, ensuring performer comfort and mobility.
+bull; Track and manage the costume department budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
+bull; Maintain inventory of costume stock, supplies, and equipment.
+bull; Coordinate costume rentals, storage, and returns when applicable.
+bull; Assist Wardrobe team in costume maintenance and repairs throughout the run of shows. Teach necessary skills for wardrobe team members to complete repairs without supervision of the Costume Shop Manager.
+bull; Collaborate with the wardrobe supervisor to ensure a smooth transition from costume construction to wardrobe maintenance and performance run.
+bull; Assist in training dressers and wardrobe staff on proper costume handling, quick changes, and repairs.
+bull; Ensure costumes remain in good condition throughout the run of each production, implementing repair and maintenance protocols as needed.
Skills and Qualifications:
+bull; Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theater, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
+bull; Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a costume shop, with supervisory experience preferred.
+bull; Strong knowledge of costume construction, pattern-making, alterations, and fabric treatments.
+bull; Experience crafting, dyeing, wardrobe, wigs, hair, and make up.
+bull; Excellent leadership and communication skills with experience managing teams.
+bull; Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
+bull; Knowledge of historical and contemporary costume styles, fabric types, and theatrical costume production techniques.
+bull; Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to fast-paced production environments.
+bull; Understanding of costume care, maintenance, and storage best practices.
Benefits and Schedule:
+bull; WBTT produces 5 mainstage shows between September and June every season. In addition, WBTT produces or participates in a number of events, collaborations, and educational programming which keep us operating all year round!
+bull; Weekend or evening availability occasionally required, especially during tech and load in weeks
+bull; Full-time, year round position with individual health insurance (90% of premium covered by the company) and 403(b) retirement plan with company contributions
+bull; Salary dependent on experience
+bull; 15 vacation days every season
+bull; Position begins Monday July 28th, 2025
To apply please send a cover letter, resume, portfolio, and references to Kevin White, Production Manager.
No in person or phone inquiries, please.
WBTT is an equal opportunity employer.
