Dyer-Painter/Costume Crafts Artisan - Children's Theatre Company

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in costume dying, painting and crafts for the position of Dyer-Painter/Costume Crafts Artisan. This is a seasonal benefits eligible position that averages around 28 to 32 weeks of full-time work in a typical season and is part of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13, AFL-CIO. The person filling this role will start in late-August or early-September of 2022. This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about a variety of dyeing, painting and printing techniques, who has expertise in color matching, and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization. Applicants for this role should have creative problem-solving skills, ability to adapt to adjusting priorities, and time management skills.

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees. We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.



ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Peter C Brosius and Managing Director Kimberly Motes, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.



DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene. The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres. Minnesota year in and year out ranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy.

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life. It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners. The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America.



DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members. CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community. We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.



POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for fabric modification and surface design using dye, paint, adhesives and other decorative techniques to match color and texture in costume renderings. Works with Costume Designer and Costume Director to determine best techniques and processes to create desired visual effects. Works closely with other costume staff to coordinate schedule of work on shared pieces to meet all fitting and production deadlines.

This position reports to the Costume Director.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Dying/Painting/Costume Crafts

• Create texture, color, patterns and other surface designs on a wide range of materials including fabrics, leather, foam using dye, paint, adhesives and other decorative techniques

• Interpret designer renderings and supporting research to create effects on fabric to meet design specifications

• Create samples and color swatches to match design specification

• Interpret sketches and recreate fabric surface effects in full scale for costume pieces as assigned

• In consultation with Costume Designer and Costume Director, determine best techniques to create desired visual effects using color, texture and surface treatments to match designs

• Dye, paint, alter fabric surface according to approved samples. Coordinate work order and schedule with Costume Director and Cutters to meet fitting and final deadlines

• Distress and age costume pieces and accessories to meet design specifications

• Work with Cutters and Costume Director to determine if pieces should be modified as yardgoods, constructed or partially constructed costumes for best effect and to pace work through all construction processes to meet deadlines

• Attend dress rehearsals to see pieces on stage; Consult with Costume Designer to make adjustments as needed to compensate for stage lighting

• Communicate any special care and maintenance needs to Wardrobe supervisor for costume pieces

• Create paint color kits as needed for maintenance during run of show; Communicate any special techniques needed to maintain specialty items

• Dye replacement tights or other pieces as needed during run of show; Touch up any specialty pieces as needed during run at request of Costume Director

• Participate in general department work, including, but not limited to cleaning and organizing work space, restocking supplies, assist in pulling and restocking of costume accessories

• Attend fittings; Responsible for shoes, socks, hosiery and accessories for assigned actors

• Assess proper fit and adjust fit of shoes for each assigned actor

• Paint, dye and/or alter appearance of shoes for theatrical use

• Maintain shoes for production, including performing minor repairs

• Modify jewelry for stage use (eg quick-rigging, creating clip earrings, etc.)



Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion



• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist workplace practices and policies

• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees

• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community



POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Accurate - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly

• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace

• Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word

• Conceptual Thinking - Ability to think in terms of abstract ideas

• Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea

• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task

• Friendly - Contribute to and maintain a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere for actors, students, parents, and guest designers

• Inclusive - Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized

• Initiative - Ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal. Innovative - Ability to look beyond the standard solutions

• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task

• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems

• Teamwork - Ability to effectively build positive working relationships with cast, crew and co-workers

• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines

• Working Under Pressure - Ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations



Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in color matching using fiber reactive, disperse, direct and union dyes

• Demonstrated working knowledge of variety of dyeing, painting and printing techniques, including stencils, resists, airbrushing, hand painting and screen printing

• Demonstrated skill in fabric aging and distressing techniques

• Demonstrated experience in working with wide range of materials including fabrics, foams, leather, and plastics

• Demonstrated willingness to research and experiment with new techniques



COVID-19 Vaccine

All employees of CTC are required to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19. If a candidate is selected to fill this role, they will be required to provide proof of vaccination.



Other Qualities

• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment

• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment



COMPENSATION

The minimum starting wage for this position is $22.00 per hour. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.



TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter and resume to Andrew Robertson, Director of Human Resources at productionjobs@childrenstheatre.org. Please include the name of the position(s) to which you are applying in the subject line of the email.


Salary: Minimum Starting wage: $22.00 per hour