Draper/Tailor - Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Temporary | July 20, 2026 - October 16, 2026 | $21.50/hr | Open Until Filled
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is seeking an experienced Draper/Tailor to join our Costume Department for a temporary engagement at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Orlando, FL. This position reports to the Costume Shop Supervisor.
About Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) is one of the Southeast's leading professional theaters, celebrating more than 35 years of live performance in the heart of Orlando. Operating year-round from the Lowndes Shakespeare Center - a 53,000 square foot facility located at 812 E. Rollins St., Orlando, FL - Orlando Shakes produces a diverse season of classical works, contemporary plays, new American works, and beloved holiday productions including our annual production of A Christmas Carol.
Our four performance spaces - the Margeson Theater (324 seats), Goldman Theater (118 seats), Santos-Dantin Theater (65 seats), and Mandell Theater (100 seats) - host a full year-round season alongside robust educational programming. Orlando Shakes operates in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF) and employs professionals from across the country, including members of Actors' Equity Association, United Scenic Artists, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Position Description
As part of a five-person department, the Draper/Tailor will drape, pattern, and cut costumes according to the designers' sketches and supervise stitcher(s) in the production of building new costumes and altering existing costumes as assigned by the Costume Shop Supervisor. All shop positions are hybrid and may require other elements of costume construction, including stitching, crafts, and dye work.
Specific Projects / Shows:
Come From Away, Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, and Corduroy.
Specific Tasks:
- Drape, create patterns, and cut for assigned looks, according to the costume design.
- Fit built, purchased, and rented costumes according to the costume design.
- Supervise stitcher(s) through the building, altering, and finishing work on costumes.
- Ensure all costume components are complete and present by First Dress for assigned actors.
- Maintain excellence of product.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work space.
Competencies / Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years draping at professional level or MFA equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of costume history and period patterns.
- Extensive knowledge of sewing and textiles.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work with and guide staff with varying skill levels.
- Capacity to solve problems and engage in creative thinking about challenges.
- Excellent time management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
Schedule
- Monday through Friday; daytime hours.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and sit. Position requires some bending, crouching, reaching, grabbing, lifting up to 25 lbs, and pushing/pulling 50 lbs. The employee is required to talk, hear, and see. The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Commitment to Diversity
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is committed to diverse and inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, ages, and perspectives. We particularly welcome Orlando and Florida-based candidates as part of our commitment to supporting our local artistic community. We believe that diverse creative teams strengthen our productions and better serve our community.
Compensation
$21.50 per hour. Housing and transportation are not provided. This is a temporary position and is not eligible for benefits.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should apply via email to jobs@orlandoshakes.org. Please include "Your Name" and "Draper/Tailor" in the subject line.
Please submit a current resume, cover letter, and references (with email contact) as a single PDF.
No Phone Calls Please.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is an equal opportunity employer.
