Cutter/Draper - Dance (HR Title: Costumer)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

SMU Meadows School of the Arts educates visionary artists, scholars and arts and communications professionals to create sustainable and transformative impact on both local and global society. Today, the Meadows School has achieved prominence as one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States and offers training in an unusual mix of the arts - visual (art and art history), performing (dance, music, and theatre) and communications (advertising, film and media arts, corporate communication and public affairs, and journalism) - as well as a preeminent program in arts management and arts entrepreneurship.

The Meadows School of the Arts Production Unit supports all aspects of production for the Divisions of Dance, Music and Theatre. Additionally, the Production Unit supports Meadows-wide events as necessary. An average performance season consists of three dance concerts, one opera, and seven plays presented in three venues - a proscenium house, a flexible black box, and a classic thrust.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Cutter/Draper - Dance is responsible for producing primarily dance costumes, but also costumes for theatre and opera productions at Meadows School of the Arts. This includes consulting with the shop manager and student designers to develop patterns, discuss logistical methodology of costume creation, and assembly. This position works in concert with Artistic Staff and other Production Personnel, they are part of a collaborative team.

Essential Functions:

• Supervise and perform costume construction and alterations by staff and students suggesting simpler, more efficient methods to reduce errors and improve efficiency. Work with student designers in support of their curriculum and to teach them standard industry practices.
  
• Supervise over hire staff, work study and practicum students when they are working in the shop.
  
• Work with costume shop supervisor to strike shows when complete and perform ongoing maintenance of the costume storage areas.
  
• Work with costume shop supervisor to regularly maintain equipment and safety of the work environment.
  
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required for dress rehearsals.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. A degree in Costume Construction or Fashion Technology is preferred.

A minimum of one (1) year of experience is required.

Broad experience constructing costumes, specifically dancewear including tutus, classical ballet bodices, classical men's ballet costumes, leotards, unitards, and various other stretch garments is preferred. Experience in period, modern, and abstract styles is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate knowledge of patterning and draping of dancewear is essential.

Candidate familiarity with dying, craftwork and millinery is a plus.

Candidate must be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, squat, stand
• Kneel, climb
• Reach above shoulders
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Push/pull
• Carry/lift over 25-50 lbs.

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 26, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

This job has expired.