Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 50,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff and 340,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls "the most ambitious campus design program in the country."
With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, nine straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC's momentum has never been stronger. UC's annual budget tops $1.65 billion and its endowment totals $1.8 billion. The University's overall regional economic impact exceeds $10.6 billion, paving the way for the future of Cincinnati.
About CCM
The University of Cincinnati's nationally ranked and internationally renowned College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The school's educational roots date back to 1867, and a solid, visionary instruction has been at its core since that time.
Declared "one of this country's leading conservatories" by the New York Times, CCM offers 10 degree types (BA, BFA, BM, MFA, MA, MM, MME, AD, DMA, PhD) in approximately 120 possible majors, along with a variety of pre-collegiate and post-graduate programs and workshops. The college also offers academic minors in both media production and music. The synergy created by housing CCM within a comprehensive public university gives the college its unique character and defines its objective: to educate and inspire the whole artist and scholar for positions on the world stage.
At CCM, tomorrow's arts luminaries work with today's industry leaders. CCM's internationally recognized faculty members work with students from around the world. 116 full-time faculty members and 151 part-time faculty members provide personalized mentorship, guiding students in their individual scholarly, creative, musical, performing and teaching growth.
CCM's student enrollment for Fall 2023 totaled 1,403. This number included 883 undergraduate students and 520 graduate students. CCM's current student population comes to Cincinnati from 41 different states and 41 different countries. International students represent roughly 23% of the student body.
CCM provides students with professionally oriented immersive experiences in order to prepare them to enter directly into performing and media arts careers. As the largest single source of performing arts events in Ohio, CCM presents nearly 1,000 major public performances each year. Students are involved in each step of the process from planning to performing, both on stage and behind-the-scenes.
CCM's dynamic and influential alumni network includes over 14,300 artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, researchers, leaders and professionals who are active in the arts on a global scale. Many of the college's graduates have achieved notable success in the performing and media arts, and 97% of recent graduates are currently working or continuing their education.
CCM is an accredited institution of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and a member of the University/ Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
About TAPAA
CCM's Division of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA) offers comprehensive training programs for actors, dancers, musical theatre performers, designers, technicians and arts managers, as well as programs for opera singers, coaches and directors in partnership with CCM's Department of Voice.
Utilizing a superb faculty of professional artist-teachers, TAPAA's programs attract remarkably talented students from around the world. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide-ranging scope of degree programs, classes, major productions, studio productions, master classes, summer projects and professional internships.
TAPAA provides its students with professionally oriented immersive experiences in order to prepare them to enter directly into their careers. Students make use of CCM's performance and production spaces, which have been described as being "at the cutting edge of theater technology" by the Cincinnati Enquirer. These facilities include but are not limited to:
- the 663-seat Corbett Auditorium
- the 378-seat Patricia Corbett Theater
- the flexible Cohen Family Studio Theater
- 8,500 square foot scene shop
- 3,000 square foot costume shop
- Wig, make-up and prosthetics studios
- 1,500 square foot design/drafting studio
- 800 square foot light lab
- Sound design studios
- Three dance studios (with observation room), therapy and dressing rooms
- Five large movement and acting rehearsal rooms
CCM's annual calendar boasts nearly 1,000 public events, ranging from solo recitals and master classes to fully-staged opera and musical theatre performances. This typically includes eight major theatre arts productions, along with a large number of smaller-scale studio theater productions and several program-specific senior showcases. TAPAA also regularly co-produces performances in collaboration with professional arts organizations.
Students are exposed to a wealth of learning opportunities, thanks not only to the sharing of resources among all the programs within the division, but also through interaction with other divisions at CCM.
About Theater Design and Production
CCM's Department of Theatre Design and Production (TD&P) offers professionally oriented training programs for theatre designers, technicians and managers. This includes Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts with specialization in the following areas:
- Costume Design and Technology (BFA and MFA)
- Lighting Design and Technology (BFA and MFA)
- Make-up & Wig Design (MFA)
- Sound Design (BFA and MFA)
- Stage Design, Props and Scenic Art (BFA)
- Stage Design (MFA)
- Stage Properties (MFA)
- Stage Management (BFA and MFA)
- Technical Production (BFA)
Described as "a training ground where aspiring theatre designers and technicians gain top-quality experience" by Talkin' Broadway, TD&P provides opportunities for students to apply their design and production skills in up to 11 productions a year in acting, dance, musical theatre and opera.
The program features cutting-edge facilities and technology, with:
- 8,500 square foot scene shop
- 3,000 square foot costume shop
- Wig, make-up and prosthetics studios
- 1,500 square foot design/drafting studio
- 800 square foot light lab
- CAD drafting stations
- Three performance venues
- Production season includes musicals, plays, operas and dance (classical and contemporary)
- Student opportunities on all productions
TD&P's graduates work on Broadway and around the world, and are involved in nearly every facet of the arts and entertainment industries. TD&P alumni regularly return to CCM and share their successes, both to inspire and to help train the next generation.
Job Overview
The Costume Shop Foreman will pattern and build costumes for theatrical performances, as well as perform costume alterations. They will attend costume fittings for productions, oversee the Graduate Assistants and Lab students during their shop hours, and assist the Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Shop Coordinator and/or Costume Shop Manager at tech/dress rehearsals as needed.
This is an 83% FTE position and work will ideally be completed in accordance with the academic calendar, August - May, depending on the needs of the division. Occasional night and weekend work required to address notes during tech and preview process.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Essential Functions
- Collaborate with the Costume Shop team of Faculty, Staff, and Students to ensure shows are completed on time and in a quality manner. Mentor the students in completion of builds and alterations for shows, providing expertise and guidance as necessary.
- Perform draping, patterning, tailoring, alterations and specialized sewing techniques
- Oversee and coach students on show specific projects, alterations, and repairs
- Attend fittings and provide assistance with fitting garments to designer specifications, take thorough notes for each garment to be altered
- Maintain construction standards as set by the Costume Faculty and Shop Manager
- Maintain machines and equipment within the shop in clean working order
- Maintain, clean and organize Costume Shop spaces as needed
- Complete garment construction and alterations in accordance with show schedules
- Assist with inventory tracking and control for Costume Shop supplies
- Attend all Shop meetings
- Adhere to and promote health and safety protocols within the shop
- Assist with the completion of laundry, dry cleaning, rental restocking and restoration as needed
- Perform basic Microsoft Office tasks including the use of email, calendars, TEAMS, and file sharing.
- Perform related duties based on departmental needs
Required Education
- Bachelor's Degree must be in Fine Arts with course work in theatre costume design or costume technology.
- Six (6) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
Required Experience
- Two (2) years of experience in theatrical productions or related field.
- Ability to create high quality costumes, historical pattern development, historical tailoring, tutu construction, costume alterations, and fitting techniques.
Additional Qualifications Considered
- Two years in a professional theatre as cutter/draper with five years costume construction experience in a professional theatre, OR equivalent pattern, draping, and sewing experiences
- Broad knowledge of theatrical costume construction techniques with familiarity in construction of apparel for all genders
- Skilled in both flat patterning and draping on a form to create a pattern
- Knowledge of industry standard fabrics, notions, tools and techniques
- Ability to skillfully operate a variety of sewing machines including but not limited to- single needle industrial, industrial zig-zag, overlock, serger, coverstitch, domestic machines, and blind hemmer
- Ability to work enthusiastically both independently and collaboratively with members of the costume department, including faculty, staff, and students
- An understanding of body diversity and a commitment to leading a body positive costume shop and fitting room
- Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly, with curiosity, and efficiency to notes generated during the production, rehearsal and tech process
- Ability to work in an environment with changing priorities based on the needs of the production
- Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Academic theater, teaching, or student mentorship experience
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
- Sitting - Often
- Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Continuously
- Hearing, listening - Often
- Talking - Continuously
- Standing - Often
- Walking - Often
- Bending - Often
- Stooping - Often
- Climbing stairs/ladders - Often
- Kneeling, squatting - Often
- Crouching - Seldom
- Crawling - Seldom
- Reaching overhead - Often
- Pulling, pushing - Often
- Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Often
- Lifting - up to 50 pounds - Seldom
- Noise: There is sufficient noise to cause you to shout in order to be heard above the noise level.
- Oils: There is air or skin exposure to POLS (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants) or other cutting fluids.
- Atmospheric Conditions: Conditions that affect the respiratory system, such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.
Compensation and Benefits
UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
- Competitive salary range of $37,000 - $40,000, dependent on the candidate's experience.
- Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
- Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
- Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
- Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
- Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.
As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).
FOR ALL FACULTY HIRES OFFICIAL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF HIRE
For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.
The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.