Draper - The Theatre School - DePaul University - Chicago, IL

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences are welcome and supported.



General Summary

This position is to act as the Lead Draper on assigned TTS productions including Studio and workshop productions. This position is responsible for the draping, cutting, sewing, and finishing of costumes for all productions supported by the TTS Costume Shop. This position will also lead the work of any professional costume technicians and students assigned to a TTS production. This position will also provide advice and assistance to the students who are working on non-supported productions.





Responsibilities & Duties



Responsible for leading and giving advice to student workers, over-hire staff, and students working in the Costume areas as needed.



Act as the Lead Draper on assigned productions. Responsible for the draping, cutting, sewing, fitting, altering, and finishing of costumes for all productions as assigned. Costume Craft duties as needed. Make purchases for productions as needed.



This position will also help to maintain any area which is in the purview of the Costume Shop Manager. This includes general organization, costume restocking, supply inventory, and documentation.



Communication with Staff, Faculty, and Students and attend weekly meetings as needed.



Performs other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Position requires a minimum of Bachelors degree in Theatre/Costumes or related field, plus 3+ years in professional costume shops or equivalent experience.

Managerial Responsibilities

Responsible for leading and giving advice to student workers, over-hire staff, and students working in the Costume areas as needed.

Financial Responsibilities

This position will be required to make purchases for TTS productions and will help to manage the overall Costume/ Wig and Makeup department budget.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the person to stand for extended periods of time at a cutting table, and maybe be required to work with chemicals.

Must be able to lift 30 lbs.

Other Skills & Abilities Required

Excellent communication skills and organizational skills.

Ability to work with students in training.

Ability to drape and draft patterns from costume sketches.

Extensive knowledge of both contemporary and period costume construction.

Basic knowledge of tailoring.

Extensive knowledge of sewing techniques both for industrial sewing machines and handwork.

Basic knowledge of maintenance of industrial sewing machines.

Basic knowledge of computers and be familiar with Microsoft Office.

Additional Information

For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.

Position requires frequent overtime hours, weekend, and holiday hours, especially in the weeks immediately preceding and during tech week.

Travel from TTS to other Theatre spaces or for shopping may be needed.

Salary & Benefits Package:

DePaul offers a comprehensive package including competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain the best talent in order to further the University's mission. For more information, please visit the following pages:

Full-Time Benefits



Required Background Check:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.



Required COVID-19 Vaccination:

Employment at DePaul University is contingent upon receiving all recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine or having a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated. To request a religious or medical exemption, please email employeerelations@depaul.edu.



Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect:

Upon accepting an offer of employment with the university, you will also be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Mandated Reporter Status at the time of hire. A mandated reporter is required to make a report to the Illinois DCFS Hotline whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be abused or neglected. For more information, please visit the following pages:

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS)

Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act



Title IX Contact Information

Federal Title IX policy requires that all colleges and universities make known the contact information for the person responsible for coordinating its efforts to comply with Title IX responsibilities. The Title IX Office is on the Lincoln Park campus on the 3rd floor of the Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue. The Title IX Office can be reached at 312-362-8970 or titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu.



DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.