Theater Assistant Director

Qualified applicant must hold a valid/registered Illinois teaching license.

Overview of Position:
The Theatre Assistant Director will support East Theatre as it produces three mainstage productions a year. Productions typically are two plays (performed in October and January) and one musical (performed in April). This role will be responsible for creating the visual look of the show in terms of costumes under the vision and direction of each director for each production. The Theatre Assistant Director will be responsible for making costumes and leading a team of high school students in their crew. 

Responsibilities:

• Study script to understand costume requirements in terms of setting, era and character attributes
• Perform research on historical periods and different regions
• Develop costume plots for characters
• Produce the final designs with fabrics, styles and colors
• Train and teach costume crew of students
• Work with costume crew of students/parent volunteers to materialize sketches
• Hire or buy ready costumes when necessary
• Ensure costumes stay within budget and maintain receipts for any purchases. 
• Work with Theatre Manager to schedule/maintain dressing room usage during school year
• Supervise fittings throughout rehearsal process
• Communicate with actors and parents regarding costume needs
• Assign dressing room space to actors for production week
• Organize and run costume changes and/or quick changes during production
• Assume responsibility of returning, storing or disposing used costumes after production
• Present for Technical Rehearsals and Production runs
• Provide additional help for prop/set needs as needed 

Requirements:

• Proven experience as costume designer and seamstress
• Previous experience in theatre, specifically costume design/dresser
• Knowledge of design, sewing and textiles; costuming various body types. 
• Strong sewing skills
• Excellent communication and people skills
• Creativity and attention to detail
• Well-organized and reliable
• Flexible hours; willingness to work weekdays and possible Saturdays

Compensation:
This position is a stipend position under the OEA contract.