Costume Ager, Dyer, & Crafter

Job Title: Costume Ager, Dyer, & Crafter (Part-Time)
Location: Hale Centre Theatre – Sandy, UT
Reports to: Costume Shop Supervisor
Status: Part-Time (approx. 29.5 hours/week)

About the Position

Hale Centre Theatre (HCT) is seeking a skilled, resourceful, and highly adaptable Costume Ager, Dyer, & Crafter to join our costume shop in Sandy. This role is essential in bringing productions to life through textile transformation and detailed craftwork.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-output environment and is comfortable working both collaboratively and independently. You will work across a wide range of materials -- fabrics, foam, leather, plastics, and more – using creative problem-solving and technical expertise to achieve visually compelling and consistent results under tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Textile Artistry

• Execute professional dyeing, painting, and distressing techniques on fabrics and finished garments
• Accurately match designer renderings through color theory, research, and sampling

Costume Breakdown & Aging

• Apply realistic aging techniques (sanding, fraying, staining, painting) to create the illusion of wear, history, and environmental exposure
• Ensure consistency across multiple versions of the same costume

Specialized Craft & Fabrication

• Build and modify costume elements including masks, armor, millinery, footwear, and jewelry
• Work with diverse materials such as EVA foam, thermoplastics, leather, resins, and textiles
• Adapt techniques based on material behavior and production needs

Stitching & Patterning

• Operate industrial sewing machines with moderate proficiency
• Draft patterns, create mockups, and translate them into finished products

Collaboration & Workflow Coordination

• Work closely with Costume Designers, Drapers, and the Costume Supervisor to plan construction, dyeing, and finishing processes while adhering to a shows build timeline. 
• Communicate clearly and contribute to a team-oriented shop environment

Independent Execution

• Manage assigned projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision
• Prioritize tasks and problem-solve efficiently under pressure

Shop Safety & Maintenance

• Maintain a safe and organized dye and craft workspace
• Follow proper handling procedures for chemicals and PPE requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Experience & Education

• 2+ years of professional experience in theatrical costume crafts, or a degree in Costume Technology/Design

Technical & Artistic Skills

• Strong background in dyeing techniques (reactive, acid, disperse) and fiber behavior
• Experience with fabric painting, airbrushing, leatherwork, foam fabrication, and thermoplastics
• Excellent color-matching and finishing skills

Adaptability & Problem-Solving

• Ability to work with a wide variety of materials and quickly adjust techniques as needed
• Strong critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving approach

Work Ethic & Environment

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Able to balance teamwork with independent responsibility
• Willingness to learn new processes and safely work with chemicals

Attention to Detail

• High level of precision, especially when replicating costumes for multiples or stunt use