The School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech is seeking a Costume Shop Manager for the B.A. and M.F.A. Theatre programs, starting Fall 2025. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. More information can be found at sopa.vt.edu.
The Costume Shop Manager will oversee all aspects of costuming for productions of varying scales each year, through required introductory and advanced lab courses for undergraduate and graduate students. This role involves setting positive, respectful, and professional standards for all projects. Key responsibilities include training, supervising, and scheduling students, serving as principal cutter/draper, tracking budgets, purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment, overseeing the costume inventory and storage facility, and managing donations. This position requires professional-level management skills, custom draping and patterning, and related costume craft skills, ensuring a clean, safe, and respectful workplace environment. The role strategically aligns with the addition of the Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management program joining the College, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and enriching the learning experience for students interested in both theatre and fashion/apparel design. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in Fashion and Apparel.
This is an academic year (9-month) position with an initial contract for August 2025-May 2026 with the opportunity for renewal.
Position Expectations and Duties
• Manage and supervise all aspects of costuming for productions through introductory and advanced lab courses for undergraduate and graduate students.
• Serve as the principal cutter/draper, ensuring high standards in costume construction.
• Train, supervise, and schedule students, including those in production lab courses and GA/GTA students.
• Track budgets, purchase supplies, and maintain financial records.
• Maintain costume shop machinery and related supplies.
• Oversee the costume inventory and storage facility, including managing donations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and respectful workplace environment, setting positive and professional standards for all projects.
• Facilitate collaboration with the Fashion Merchandising and Design program, enriching the learning experience for students interested in both theatre and fashion/apparel design.
