Costumer/First Hand
The Indiana Repertory Theatre
United States, Indiana, Indianapolis
Posted on: Sept. 11, 2025
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Description:
ABOUT INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE
The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) was founded in 1972 and is the only theatre in Indiana to belong to the League of Resident Theatres (LORT). Currently, the IRT produces six productions annually in two stages (the OneAmerica Mainstage, and the Upperstage) for diverse audiences. The repertoire includes work varying from world premieres to classics. The IRT serves audiences of multiple generations including students from early elementary through twelfth grade. With a significant endowment, the IRT is financially stable and looks forward to many more years of creating art for the Indianapolis community. Following many decades of diverse programming, the IRT leadership, in the past four years, has focused on further diversifying its staff and board, including ongoing anti-racist training for all.
MISSION
Rooted in the heart of Indiana, Indiana Repertory Theatre is committed to building a vital, vibrant and informed community through the transformational power of live theatre. The Indiana Repertory Theatre produces inclusive, top-quality, professional theatre and community programming to engage, surprise, challenge and entertain members of the whole community.
VISION
The Indiana Repertory Theatre will welcome the whole community, becoming a place of belonging for an ever-expanding audience of all ages and backgrounds seeking meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Using theatre as a springboard for both personal reflection and community discussion, our productions and programs will inspire our neighbors to learn about themselves and others. As the largest non-profit theatre in the state of Indiana, IRT’s goal is to help make Indiana a dynamic home of cultural expression, economic vitality, and a diverse and engaged citizenry.
COMMITMENT TO CREATING AND SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE
The IRT is committed to building an inclusive, welcoming Theatre that celebrates diversity in all areas of our work. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre field are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender, and non-binary candidates.
POSITION PURPOSE
As the Costumer/First Hand, you are a theatrical craftsperson and will be assigned construction projects commensurate with the skills of an entry level associate.
POSITION FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist the Draper in the creation of patterns, cut fabric based on patterns supplied by the Draper and make patterns for facings and linings based on original pattern supplied by Draper.
Perform sewing duties as assigned by Draper or Costume Shop Manager.
Attend fittings to assist and take notes for Draper.
Maintain the integrity of the Costume Design through his/her interpretation of the sketch and prepare alterations from the fittings.
Assist in pulling as needed and sit with the designer at technical rehearsals and previews as assigned.
Maintain your personal work area, including sewing machinery, cutting table, and bulletin boards as necessary to keep work moving effectively and to promote a professional environment.
Attend weekly shop meetings and consult with other team members, co-workers and Costume Shop Manager concerning problems and their possible solutions.
Maintain inventory of sewing supplies and fabrics and communicate needs in a timely manner.
Talk with visitors and tour groups as needed.
Perform other duties such as pulling, restocking, and maintenance.
Perform such tasks, services, duties, and responsibilities in accordance with IRT policies, rules, regulations, and instructions now in force or which may be adopted from time to time during Employee’s employment at the IRT.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Other duties as determined by Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience:
Experience working in a professional costume shop or degree in costume technology
Experience cutting out patterns and manipulating fabric
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Proficiency in operating costume related machinery
Experience manipulating fabric
Ability to work in a team and maintain a positive attitude.
Ability to collaborate with fellow staff and free-lance artists.
Ability to work occasional nights and weekends.
HEALTH & SAFETY
COVID-19 vaccination, one booster, and proof of vaccination are required for employment at the IRT.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those an individual must meet in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. We will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
This position frequently communicates with groups of people in open areas
This position assists in observing and judging garment finish from the theatre seats
This position frequently operates costume machinery
This position works in a stationary position for 50% of the time or more.
Occasionally ascends/descends stairs/work ladders
Occasionally will work outside to load or unload costume elements to/from vehicles
Ability to transport 25 pounds of costumes
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION
Please send a cover letter and resume with 3 references to [email protected]. Please include the position for which you would like to be considered in the subject line. You may also mail them to the Indiana Repertory Theatre ATTN: Production Manager, 140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Application Deadline:
Nov. 30, 2025
Job Duration:
Open ended
Job/Audition Type:
Full Time
Job Category:
Technical/Show Support
Payment status:
Paid
Job Location:
United States,
Indiana,
Indianapolis
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