Overview:

The First Hand/Stitcher is a key member of the costume studio team, supporting the Costume Studio Supervisor in the creation of costumes from concept to completion. This role works closely with the patterner/draper on new costume patterning and construction and assists shop stitchers by offering mentorship and technical guidance as needed. In addition to hands-on production of new costumes and characters, refurbishment of existing costumes and characters and meeting project deadlines, the First Hand helps maintain the day-to-day operations of the costume shop, including upkeep of machines, workspaces, and stock maintenance.

Reporting Structure:

The employees and contractors of the Costume Studio will report directly to the Costume Studio Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

Work as a First Hand expert stitcher to produce costumes as assigned by the Costume Studio Supervisor, cutting fabric based off patterns provided, or creating patterns using existing costume pieces

Supervises and Mentors the stitchers and craft department, with the ability to teach and train stitchers on sewing machines, hand sewing, and construction techniques

Assists Pattern/Draper in the creation of patterns, grading and altering patterns, and explaining patterns to shop staff and contractors

Bundle and prepare tasks for the costume studio staff and contractors with instruction from Costume Studio Supervisor and Pattern/Draper

Assists Costume Crafts department with patterning, knowledge of costume foam patterning is preferred; however, a willingness and ability to learn it is expected

Assist with the documentation and creation of tech packs of items built or refurbished Adhere to company safety regulations, maintains a safe, healthy, and clean work /shop environment.

Ability to work under pressure to meet hard deadlines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Theater, Costume Design and construction, or a related field (or 6+ years of equivalent experience).

Proven experience in costume cutting, draping, patterning, and construction of costumes and character costumes used in theatrical, film, theme park, cruise line and/or similar productions.

Strong knowledge of costume patterning and construction techniques and terminology, and ability to execute proper techniques by showing proven experience

Achieve deadlines by working in both team and individual settings.

Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.

Flexibility and adaptability based on production requirements.

High level attention to detail and quality control

High level technical skills with industrial and domestic sewing machines

Proficient in hand sewing techniques.

High manual dexterity and hand eye coordination

Strong communication skills, both written and interpersonal

Work with and around chemicals such as contact cement, epoxies, super glue, fabric dyes etc.

Experience and knowledge of fabric dyeing and distressing, with ability to learn

Physical Requirements/Environment:

Moderate lifting or carrying 26 +ndash; 50 lbs.

Intermittently sitting, standing, and stooping.

Working at heights and climbing ladders and stairs

Requires repeated reaching by extending hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction.

Using equipment requiring high dexterity.

Pay and Benefit Structure:

USD Hourly $24-$26 per hour

Payroll will be bi-weekly in arrears.

All Full-time hourly Team Members are allotted 5 days of PTO per year, plus designated company holidays, paid. If a holiday falls on a production related workday or weekend, then an alternate date will be selected.

Benefits offered to Full-time hourly team members, including medical, dental and vision.