Part-Time Theater Sewist/Costume Designer

Theatre Sewist/Costume Designer Job Description

The Costumer for the Performing Arts supports the visual and artistic excellence of Mount Madonna School’s (MMS) renowned performing arts program in designing, constructing, organizing, and maintaining costumes for all Preschool–12th Grade performing arts productions. This position collaborates closely with the performing arts team to ensure that costumes enhance the storytelling, character development, and educational goals of each production, while fostering a safe and inclusive environment for students.

Mount Madonna School is located at 3,000 feet above sea-level with sweeping views of Monterey Bay. Situated between Gilroy and Watsonville, California, MMS sits on 375 acres of beautiful redwood forest at the top of Summit Road. Whether commuting from the inland or ocean side, navigating mountain roads is an inherent part of the daily commute. Gas stipends are not granted; reliable transportation is required.

The MMS Costumer is responsible for the care and maintenance of all of our costume pieces, many of which were handmade by the founding members of our school over 40 years ago. The Costumer must possess high-level organization skills which include preserving, labeling, tracking, and securing all costume items (especially when in transit), and keeping the Costume Room tidy and well managed.

Additionally, the Costumer is responsible for scheduling and executing student fittings, and will be the acting Lead for costume-related parent volunteer committees. Strong communication and collaboration skills are critical to this position. The Costumer must be able to accept feedback from the directing team, effectively compromise on vision and practicalities, and be willing to pivot where necessary. Resourcefulness and meticulous time-management skills are essential, as the cast and directing team rely on the Costumer’s ability to complete projects within a finite period of time on a shoestring budget.

The Costumer will spend the year preparing and executing costumes for the following productions: the Middle School Winter Production (mid November), the High School Winter Production (end of January), and the Preschool-12th Grade Ramayana! (first week in June). Ability to work extended hours as needed, weekends during productions, and full time during tech weeks is required. Winter Productions take place at Mount Madonna School’s Hawks’ Nest Theater; Ramayana! takes place at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose.

Ramayana! is Mount Madonna School’s own version of the ancient Hindu epic, written by MMS founders circa 1978 and performed annually ever since! It is a beloved cornerstone of our school community, and attracts upwards of 2,000 audience members every year. This Broadway-caliber production takes place over four days, and requires advanced coordination, organization, and creative troubleshooting skills from the entire Performing Arts team. The Costumer must be willing to take on a leadership role and work calmly and effectively with dozens of volunteers in a fast-paced environment. Cultural sensitivity and care of delicate garments (most of which have been brought to MMS from India) and handcrafted pieces is essential. Knowledge of Indian attire, including traditional sari-wrapping, is preferred but not required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

● Design, construct, alter, repair, and preserve costumes for all assigned productions.

● Collaborate with directors and producers to ensure costume designs align with each production’s artistic vision, time period, and budget. Collaborate with other production staff (set, lighting, props, makeup) to maintain a cohesive visual aesthetic.

● Coordinate and manage volunteer committees using professional and timely communication; clearly instruct volunteers on costume construction, repairs, and backstage wardrobe management.

● Organize and maintain the Costume Room, create a system for tracking all garments and costume pieces; develop and enforce costume care procedures to preserve the quality and longevity of wardrobe assets.

● Work with directors on establishing student fitting schedules, location, and transport of costumes.

● Provide backstage support during performances, including quick changes and emergency repairs.

● Ensure compliance with school safety and child protection policies in all costume-related activities; recognize that safety of students includes cultural awareness, and ability to create costumes for bodies of all shapes and sizes with sensitivity and care.

Education and Experience:

● Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design, Theatre Arts, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.

● Minimum 3–5 years of experience in costume design, construction, or wardrobe supervision—preferably in an educational or youth theater environment.

● Experience working collaboratively on creative projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

● Advanced sewing skills; ability to construct high quality costumes from start to finish.

● High-level organization and multi-tasking skills.

● Proactive, professional communication and collaboration.

● Self-sufficient and productive; highly reliable time management skills.

● Resourcefulness and working within a limited budget.

● Creative problem-solving and adaptability under pressure.

● Ability to work evenings and weekends as required for rehearsals and performances

Benefits include and not limited to:

• Working with cohesive, collaborative staff and community-minded parents
• Beautiful, natural campus and bright, open working environment
• 403(B) retirement plan
• 5 paid sick days and paid holidays (not including summer break)
• Low student/teacher ratio
• Hourly rate of $25
• Potential for full time hours and tuition remission

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person