Costume Shop Assistant, Theatre Conservatory and Premiere Stages

School of Fine and Performing Arts

Theatre Conservatory and Premiere Stages

Costume Shop Assistant

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, Kean University’s Theatre Conservatory mirrors the university’s mission to provide a core educational foundation based on the liberal arts. The Conservatory offers BA and BFA degree programs, constructed to make and teach theatre that celebrates the human condition and spirit. The performance series provides quality, applied experiences that service the university and the surrounding community. During four years at Kean, students have the opportunity to explore and develop their potential as actors, educators, directors, stage managers, designers, technicians, administrators, and playwrights and to develop the skills to pursue work in professional theatre and graduate school or apply skills to a variety of professions both inside and outside the theatre. The study of theatre at Kean is enhanced by a partnership with Premiere Stages, an AEA company in residence and proximity to New York, allowing for frequent guest artists.

Premiere Stages at Kean University is committed to serving the cultural needs of northern and central New Jersey through the development and production of high-quality Equity theatre premieres, professional development and educational initiatives for the local and campus communities and the support and cultivation of emerging playwrights and theatre artists. As the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, Premiere Stages actively engages and enhances the specialized training programs at Kean, while embracing and serving a culturally diverse audience, underserved local youth and a broad pool of gifted regionally-based artists.

The Costume Shop Assistant (Professional Services Specialist 4) will oversee the costume shop in producing 4 productions for the Theatre Conservatory and 3-4 productions for Premiere Stages, the Equity theatre on campus; perform basic professional functions for the partnership using established policies, procedures and guidelines; and does related work as required. The Costume Shop Assistant works under the supervision of the Director of the Kean Theatre Conservatory, in the School of Fine and Performing Arts, with work assigned by the Kean Theatre Conservatory Costume Designer and Director of Premiere Stages. This position requires travel and a flexible schedule including evening and weekend hours.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and one year of professional work experience in a costume shop is required. Transportation is required to perform essential functions of this position. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for the one year of required experience. Candidate must have experience with draping, cutting, stitching and crafts. This position requires the ability to perform tasks that require moderate physical activity, including walking long distances, standing, bending and/or stooping, climbing ladders in costume stock storage and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Candidacy review begins immediately and continues until appointment is made. Please submit your cover letter, resume/CV and contact information for three professional references. Official transcripts are required prior to the starting date of employment.

Attention current Kean University employees (including part-time Student Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Academic Specialists and Adjuncts): Please apply via the internal career site to ensure consideration as an internal candidate. To apply internally, please log into your Workday account and select the Career icon on your homepage to view available positions.

Additional Information

As a condition of employment, external candidates are required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to their start date. If you are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical or religious reasons, you may submit a request for an exemption. All employees are expected to follow the University's current health and safety protocols for COVID-19 and any procedures/protocols created through additional correspondence.

Kean University complies with the New Jersey First Act (Senate Bill No. 1730, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any individual newly hired by Kean University will be required to abide by this law and establish a principal residence in New Jersey. New employees will have a full 365 days to establish such residence, from the effective date of hire.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position, please refer to Section III.A. of our Reasonable Accommodations Policy & Procedures .

Diversity & Non-Discrimination Statement

Kean University is committed to establishing and maintaining a diverse campus community through inclusive excellence and equal opportunity. Kean’s commitment to access and equity is designed to prepare each graduate to not only thrive, but climb higher in a diverse world. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution we work to support a campus-wide agenda to foster a community that both values and promotes the diversity and equity of all students, faculty, staff, administrators, and beyond.

EEO/AA Statement

Kean University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer