Human Resources

Lake Forest College seeks a collaborative, student-centered artist, and technician for our Costume Shop/Designer role. They will need to be present and involved on campus, build student interest and skills in costume design and production, and foster a safe, inclusive, and inspiring culture for our Costume Shop.  

 Position Summary:                                                

 The Costume Shop Supervisor/Designer is a key member of the theater production team at Lake Forest College. This role is responsible for the design, construction, and management of costumes for departmental theater productions. A core component of this position is the active mentorship and supervision of student workers and aspiring costume designers, cultivating hands-on learning and community engagement in the costume process. 

 Primary Responsibilities:

 Shop Supervisor

• Maintain regular on-campus costume shop hours, with two to three consistent weekly work calls (afternoon or evening), each lasting approximately four
•  Supervise weekly costume shop operations, including practicum students, student volunteers, and work-study employees.
•  Build a team of trained students with a working knowledge of costume construction and
•  Provide hands-on instruction in costume building, alterations, fittings, and machine
•  Coordinate costume shop schedules to meet production
•  Maintain and organize costume shop equipment, tools, storage areas, and
•  Order and manage costume shop inventory and
•  Ensure costume shop safety procedures and
• Assign, train, and supervise backstage wardrobe crews for each

 Costume Designer

•  Design costumes or mentor student designers in the creation and execution of costumes for all departmental theater productions. This currently includes two mainstage departmental productions a year (one each semester) and guidance for student designers working on one student-produced production.
•  Collaborate with directors, designers, and the production team from concept to
•  Work within a predetermined budget and maintain accurate records of
•  Participate in fittings, alterations, and technical
•  Ensure quality, functionality, and visual impact of all costume

 Student Mentorship and Outreach

•  Mentor student designers and assistant
•  Foster a welcoming, inclusive learning environment for students with varying levels of
•  Engage students through outreach, workshops, and open house
•  Support student interest in costume work by promoting involvement and offering opportunities for growth and creative input.

 Required Meetings and Events:

•  Department Fall Open House Event (first Friday of the semester)
•  First Rehearsal with Designer Presentations and Mid-rehearsal Designer Run-Through
•  All Technical Rehearsals (Currently seven non-consecutive evening rehearsals over two weeks)
•  Opening Night or Closing Performance

 Required Qualifications:

•  Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theater Arts, or a related field or equivalent work experience
•  Minimum of 3 years of experience as a costume designer or shop supervisor, with a strong design portfolio
•  Advanced skills in sewing, tailoring, and fabric modification
•  Effective training and mentoring skills
•  Strong organizational and communication skills
•  Commitment to inclusive, collaborative, and student-centered practices
•  Ability to work during the academic year
•  Ability to work flexible hours during production periods (some evenings/weekends required)
•  Strong leadership and team-building skills

 Preferred Qualifications:

•  Passion for teaching and mentoring students in both technical and artistic aspects of costume work
•  Familiarity with sustainable costume practices, recycling, and rental coordination
•  Experience working in a liberal arts or academic environment
•  Master’s degree

 Pay & Benefits: 

 Pay rate: $7,000 per semester (paid in monthly installments from September-June)

 Benefits: www.lakeforest.edu/offices-and-departments/human-resources/employee-benefits 

 More information about the department can be found at:

Theater | Lake Forest College

Interested candidates should e-mail a brief cover letter, a link to past work or portfolio and resume to Bob Knuth, Director of Theater, bknuth@lakeforest.edu. Please, no phone calls.

If you are interested in learning more about employment at Lake Forest College, please visit Working at Lake Forest | Lake Forest College