Job Description

Costume Draper at Hale Centre Theatre

About the theater:

Hale Centre Theatre has been a beloved staple of Utah’s theater and entertainment community for four decades. Today, the theater puts on almost 900 performances annually on one of the most technologically advanced stages for live theater in the world, attracting nearly 600,000 patrons a year. In a usual year, we produce 15 shows over three stages, including broadway musicals and popular plays. This year, we are unveiling our brand new 322 seat proscenium theater.

About the shop:

Our costume shop is composed of over 30 stitchers, lead stitchers, first hands, patterner/drapers, crafts persons, design assistants, and more. We produce costumes in a variety of styles, time periods, and complexities; we always have new challenges to overcome and new things to learn. It keeps the work exciting and keeps us on our toes.

About the position:

We are looking for a talented Draper to join us in telling world-class stories through the magic of costume. In this role, you will be the bridge between a sketch and the stage, bringing the Designer’s vision to life for our diverse productions. Join our team of creators and advance your craft in our state-of-the-art facility in Sandy, UT.

As a key member of our costume shop, you will:

• Translate Design: Use sketches provided by the Costume Designer to guide the creation of unique, high-quality costumes.
• Pattern and Drape: Fabricate patterns for specific actors using expertise in both draping and flat pattern making.
• Oversee Production: Supervise the preparation and cutting of all fabrics, trims and notions based on your patterns. Create stitching guidelines, guide stitchers in construction of built items and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Manage Materials: Determine the yardage needed for fabrics and trims for each built costume, as well as other notions needed to complete a project.
• Ensure Fit: Fit built garments to the performer and make necessary pattern corrections.
• Lead and Collaborate: Work closely with the First Hand and Lead Stitcher to delegate tasks to Cutters and Stitchers and ensure build/alteration timelines are met.
• Research and Honor Design: Conduct research into historical periods and styles to maintain the integrity of the Costume Designer's vision.

Who You Are:

We are seeking a seasoned professional with a passion for theatrical excellence and the following qualifications:

• Experience: You possess an MFA in Costume Design/Technology (or similar), or 5+ years of experience in patterning and draping.
• Technical Skill: You have demonstrated proficiency in flat pattern making and the "sculptural" use of fabric through draping.
• Versatility: You have a deep knowledge of various costume construction and tailoring techniques for both men and women.
• Historical Expertise: You understand time-period shapes and how to adapt them for the stage, backed by a solid knowledge of costume history.
• Fabric Knowledge: You have a working knowledge of diverse fabric types and their specific theatrical uses.
• Leadership Mindset: You possess basic crew management skills, including the ability to manage workflow and communicate effectively with a team.

Join Us Today!

If you are ready to further develop your skills in a beautiful new environment, we want to hear from you.