Job Title: Costume Crafts Artisan
Department: Production
Reports To: Costume Shop Manager, Director of Production
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
ABOUT FIRST STAGE
First Stage, Milwaukee's premiere non-profit theater for young people and families, is a nationally acclaimed professional theater company drawing annual audiences of more than 120,000 people. First Stage's production season includes four to five productions at the Todd Wehr Theater, as well as our First Steps and Young Company Series of productions at Goodman Mainstage Hall at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center - a total of more than 400 performances annually. First Stage also offers Theater in-Education programs, serving 20,000 students in classrooms annually throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The First Stage Theater Academy, the largest and most high-impact training program of its kind in the nation, teaches "life skills through stage skills" to nearly 2,000 young people ages 3-18 each year.
First Stage is committed to dismantling structures that may prevent ALL people from applying for employment with us. First Stage celebrates the richness of our world by cultivating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity as they inspire the creativity that nurtures great art, artists, and audiences. First Stage strongly encourages candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
First Stage is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.
Position Summary:
The Costume Crafts Artisan creates and maintains costume crafts, including accessories, masks, and specialty items, ensuring they meet production needs and standards.
Compensation:
$17.50 per hour position expected to work 40 hours per week with occasional opportunities for overtime. First Stage provides a competitive benefit package that includes but is not limited to the following: health/dental/vision coverage, vacation and paid holidays, as well as a 403(b) plan.
Employment Dates:
This position is seasonal and will run from August 17, 2026 through April 4, 2027 with the option to renew should both parties agree.
To Apply:
Send resume, cover letter, and 3 work references with the subject line:
"Costume Crafts Artisan: (First Name, Last Name)"
No phone calls, please. Application submission period will remain open until the position is filled.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Interpret the costume design to create items needed for productions, including: hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, mechanical costumes, puppets, masks, belts, fans, purses, costume electrics, costume/fabric dyeing and painting.
- Collaborate with the Costume Shop Manager, Cutter/Draper, and Designers to ensure costumes meet production needs.
- Research and develop creative solutions for costume craft needs.
- Organize and prioritize work list/schedule, including rehearsal items.
- Develop patterns for craft items.
- Perform fittings with actors as necessary.
- Understand inventory with ability to pull and modify stock items.
- Construct, alter, and maintain costume craft pieces.
- Maintain inventory and supplies for costume crafts.
- Complete assigned work in a timely manner, with a high level of quality.
- Ensure high standards of craftsmanship and detail.
- Attend draper, shop, and staff meetings as scheduled.
- Maintain a clean and safe workspace.
- Previous experience in the following areas preferred: Fabric painting; Dyeing; Millinery; Cobblery; Hand Sewing; Use of industrial and domestic sewing machines, sergers, and industrial irons; Foam Carving.
- Maintaining paperwork through Basic use of Outlook and Google Sheets
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university; or two to three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly work in the Costume Shop located at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center. This position singularly maintains a craft shop with three areas (dye/wet room, dry room, and spray booth).
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- This employee may experience prolonged periods of standing and stationary work.
- Must have knowledge or willingness to learn proper PPE standards and wear proper protection while using hazardous materials.
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
