Lead Dresser

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. 

The Lead Dresser leads the wardrobe crew in conjunction with the Wardrobe Supervisor. The Lead Dresser ensures the correct implementation of wardrobe functions and assists in planning wardrobe tracks and assigning dresser duties. This includes supervision, and at times execution, of daily wig maintenance, hair and make-up application on actors, tracking inventory and maintaining a safe work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Perform all duties as assigned by Stage Operations Supervisor and Wardrobe Supervisor
• Acts as Lead Dresser on all main stage productions and events
• Maintain order backstage and see that all work rules are followed
• Collaborate with Wardrobe Supervisor in planning and creating show run sheets and planning and assigning dresser duties
• Act as dresser and wardrobe crew for dress rehearsals, previews, and performances, assisting actors in quick or difficult costume changes 
• Assist in costume load-in and strike
• Assists in preparing wardrobe areas, including quick-change booths, dressing rooms, and wardrobe maintenance room
• Ensure proper care and maintenance for garments and accessories
• Accounts for preset costume items for quick changes, assists actors in quick costume changes, hair and make-up application and training wardrobe crew, as needed
• Assist actors with hair and make-up preparation and getting into costume as needed
• Ensure proper execution of quick changes 
• Maintain a constant state of readiness and availability during the entire run of the show and quickly solve any urgent or unforeseen problems
• Perform emergency costume repairs
• Inventory all costumes post-show
• Assist in laundering costumes
• Monitor need for costume repairs and report to Costume Shop Supervisor and Wardrobe Supervisor via the Nightly Wardrobe Report
• Maintain open lines of communication between wardrobe staff, Costume Shop Supervisor, and Stage Management
• Attend additional rehearsals as assigned
• Attends designer run-thrus
• Attends Staff Meetings and Department Meetings as required
• Maintain a supportive and engaged relationship with actors and peers

Requirements

 EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum two years professional wardrobe experience (required)
• Advanced professional wardrobe, costume, and tailoring training, or equivalent experience 1-2 years in theatrical costume shop, construction, alteration and repair (Preferred)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Demonstrates organizational skills and problem solving 
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Basic Sewing Skills
• Basic knowledge of textiles and costume construction
• Knowledge of laundering and textile cleaning techniques
• Ability to work with and knowledge of wigs of different mediums, from human to synthetic
• Experience working closely with union performers preferred
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practice
• Experience leading wardrobe staff of varying experience and abilities
• Willingness and ability to work within rigorous time schedule
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new situations
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, complete projects as assigned, and multitask
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to interact with all levels of the organization
• Ability to creatively problem-solve and troubleshoot
• Ability to execute tasks and complete notes given by manager, wig designer or costume designer in a timely fashion
• Ability to navigate, inventory and maintain a wig and makeup supply stock and costume supply stock
• Knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Access, Dropbox, Basecamp and Google. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

This is a campus-based, on-site role. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions upon discussion with HR. 

• Routinely works nights, weekends, and holidays
• May be required to work overtime during technical rehearsal weeks

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: Wardrobe Supervisor & Stage Operations Supervisor

Supervises (if any): 

Supports: Costume Shop and Production, Stage Manager, Actors

Peer collaboration/communicates with: Costume Shop Employees, Show Run Crews

PAY:

Beginning salary starting at $19.00-21.50  hourly commensurate with experience and qualifications. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum and midpoint of the range posted depending upon qualifications, years of experience in a similar role in a professional setting, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. 

Some of the great benefits available to Zach Employees:

• Affordable Healthcare Coverage for Full-Time Employees and their Dependents
• Employer Paid Life and AD&D insurance
• Employer Paid Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Matching Program
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Paid Holidays
• Free Parking
• Tickets to Mainstage and Family Series shows and enrollment in Camps/Classes

All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of background and reference checks.

We’re excited to review your application. To ensure a smooth and fair hiring process, please apply online only. We’re not able to accommodate phone calls or in-person visits about this position. 

Zach Theater is committed to ensuring an equitable and inclusive workforce and we strive for a team that reflects Austin’s diverse culture. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex or age.