Theatrical Costume Stitcher

Job Title : Stitcher

Reports To : Costume Design Coordinator

FLSA Status : Nonexempt

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Costume Design Coordinator, constructs and alters The Costumer’s costume inventory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Employs costume craft and construction techniques such as patterning, draping, screen-printing, air-brushing, fabric dyeing, hand-painting, alterations, tailoring and repair.
• Fit and study costumes on customers to determine required alterations.
• Sews costumes, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
• Measure parts such as sleeves or pant legs, and mark or pin-fold alteration lines.
• Take up or let down hems to shorten or lengthen costume parts such as sleeves.
• Let out or take in seams in costumes to improve fit.
• Assemble costume parts and join parts with basting stitches, using needles and thread or sewing machines.
• Remove stitches from costumes to be altered, using rippers or razor blades.
• Record required alterations and instructions on tags, and attach them to costumes.
• Examine tags on costumes to determine alterations that are needed.
• Fit, alter, repair, and make made-to-measure costumes, according to customers' and costume manufacturers' specifications and fit, and applying principles of costume design, construction, and styling.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and / or EXPERIENCE

• One-year certificate from college or technical school, a minimum of 5 years’ related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of costume construction and costume rendering.
• Advanced patternmaking and draping skills.
• Advanced costume construction using home and industrial sewing machines.
• Highly experienced with sewing techniques; hand work, embroidery, and beading.
• Responsible for constructing projects from start to finish.
• Ability to work well with other costume design staff and leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to calculate figures and amounts.
• Proficient on Microsoft Office and other related computer programs.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions .
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace ; bilingual skills a plus.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business information. Ability to write business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, percentages, service and material total costs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

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.

Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed; the ability to sit for prolonged periods is required. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day.

Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required to file documents or store materials throughout the work day.

• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds independently on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Proper lifting and safety techniques required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional sewing equipment as found in a typical costume design and construction environment.