The purpose of this position is to offer costuming support to the Seaver College Theatre Department and Music Department in up to 6 shows collectively (5 theatre and 1 opera per academic year). As one of only two staff members who work in the Costume Shop (the other is the Costume Designer/ Shop Manager), this position plays a critical role in supporting a dynamic production season by supporting all aspects of costume production: construction, alterations, repairs, modifications, fittings, preservation and maintenance. This in-house position on the Malibu campus collaboratively supports Pepperdine’s theatrical productions while contributing to a professional and student-centered learning environment. It is done so with our mission in mind, to strengthen our student staff and faculty's lives through purpose, service, and leadership.

The Costume Assistant/ Technician is responsible for all aspects of costume construction, modifications, repair and preservation. The person in this role needs to possess outstanding sewing skills, must be able to work independently, and must be able to ensure that the costume shop operates efficiently and smoothly in the midst of a hectic pace of work.

Duties

• Cut, drape, pattern, alter, construct, and otherwise build/modify costumes for theatrical productions.
• Supervise production crews (to include student employees in the costume shop and student members of load-in crews). Must be able to share their expertise and knowledge with the student employees while also maintaining order and ensuring a smooth operating environment.
• Conduct/supervise frequent student fittings while creating and maintaining a professional environment that respects the bodies of all those who come to the shop for fittings.
• During infrequent periods when there is a lull in the demands for costume construction, the assistant/technician works independently to organize the existing costume stock, selecting pieces to be culled and pieces worth keeping for future productions. They will also use these periods to organize fabric, notions, tools, wigs, and other items housed in the shop. They must be able to complete this work independently and efficiently.
• Perform alterations on rental costumes in ways that align with professional standards and that do not harm or irreversibly alter the garments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• 5-year minimum practical costume construction experience or 3 years of practical costume construction experience and a Bachelor's degree or BFA in Costume Design, Theatre Production, or a related field.
• Technical or course related training in the area of costume construction and technical drawing.
• Experience with operating industrial and home sewing machines, overlock machines, industrial irons and steamers.
• Skill in garment construction, alteration modification and finishing techniques as they relate to theatrical costumes.
• Strong punctuality and organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to create timelines and manage project work flow within deadlines presented.
• Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds 20 feet. Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
• General knowledge of costume history periods and styles. Proficient in Google docs, sheets as well as utilization of Google drive.
• General typing and email proficiency.
• Ability to photocopy department machinery once trained.

Preferred:

• 5+ years of practical costume construction experience and a Bachelor's degree or BFA in Costume Design, Theatre Production, or a related field.
• Previous work experience in an educational, repertory, or professional theatre setting.
• Experience in multiple areas of costume production including but not limited to: Fabric painting or dyeing, millinery, costume crafts, accessories.
• Advanced knowledge of historical costume periods and styles and construction techniques for recreation of these silhouettes.
• Advanced alterations tailoring in menswear. Procreate
• PC and Mac proficient
• Cricut design
• Airbrush

This is a Restricted, Nonexempt, 40 hour per week, 9-month position.

Expected Pay Range: $24.03 - $26.51 per hour

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, and staff represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine is permitted under applicable law and reserves the right to seek, hire, and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists who support Pepperdine's Christian mission.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose any criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.