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Costume Shop Supervisor

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Costume Shop Supervisor.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division School of Performing and Visual Arts

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Pay Grade

E08

Posting Close Date August 1, 2025

Job Summary

This position maintains the costume shop to be a productive space for education and production. This position works with faculty to supervise student workers, cost out costumes for theatre and dance productions, manage production timelines and schedules, and execute purchasing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Maintains the costume shop area and the costume shop equipment; inventories and purchases shop supplies; informs costume faculty of material and equipment needed for student success. Maintains costume stock and historical garment collection.

+ Supervises and oversees students workers in the shop, including supervising graduate assistants and undergraduate practicum; mentoring in the area of costume technology.

+ Works in concert with the costume faculty member in establishing individual production budgets, making creative project assignment, developing construction teaching opportunities, sharing in developing professional practices of students, establishing guidelines for student designers, and making sure designer packages presented to the shop are complete. Makes practicum assignments in concert with the theatre production manager, dance producer and dance program coordinator, and shop heads.

+ Supports theatre and dance mainstage and studio production/instruction through the following: scheduling and supervising actor and dancer measurements; scheduling and supervising fittings; instructing and overseeing student work on costume build and alteration; instructing and supervising production costume supervisors, costumers, and hair and make-up; preparing costume designers for production meetings; preparing run crew for production; overseeing costume laundry, repairs, and prep for performances; preparing students for strike; overseeing strike.

+ Costs out productions, including analyzing the design and developing and implementing an execution plan within outlined parameters of labor and financial resources. Manages purchasing and procurement card management and rentals.

+ Serves as costume coordinator for Southern Arena Theatre (mini-repertory season produced annually in June), and oversees all costume production aspects of SAT.

+ Supervises student workers who serve as assistant designers, graduate assistants, and practicum students.

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Theatre with emphasis in Costume Design and/or Technology from an accredited college or university and at least one year of related experience in Costume Shop Management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office

+ Ability to use and maintain domestic multi-stitch and industrial sewing machines and sergers.

+ Ability to use and maintain costume shop equipment including sewing tools, industrial irons, dye vat, washing machines, and dry cleaning racks.

+ Ability to manage skilled and unskilled student labor in producing costumes for the theatre and dance seasons.

+ Advanced skills in costume technology including draping, flat-pattern drafting, fitting, alteration, finishing, and costume crafts.

+ Ability to train and supervise student wardrobe and prep crews through technical rehearsals and performance.

+ Ability to manage budget allocations and facilitate spending in compliance with University policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

MFA in costume design and/or technical theatre preferred.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.