Kimball Union Academy (KUA) seeks a teaching artist and production leader responsible for guiding students through the full costume design and construction process for a part-time role working on two annual productions, a fall play and a winter musical. This role combines classroom-style instruction, hands-on mentorship, and production management, with an emphasis on developing student skills in design, research, construction, and wardrobe execution.

 ABOUT THE POSITION

Student Instruction & Mentorship 

• Provide on-site instruction for students,5 days per week, for approximately 2 hours per session during each production season:  
• Fall Play: ~September 1 – November 15 
• Winter Musical: ~December 1 – March 1 
• Develop and deliver instruction in: 
  • Costume research and visual analysis 
  • Design principles (silhouette, color, texture, period/style) 
  • Rendering and design communication 
  • Sewing and garment construction techniques 
• Costume maintenance and organization(cleaning, inventorying) 
  • Assign and oversee independent work for students on non-instruction days, ensuring continuity of progress 
  • Support students in progressing from entry-level participants to increasingly independent designers and technicians 

Costume Design & Production 

• Lead the costume design process for each production in collaboration with the Director 
• Guide students through: 
  • Script analysis and concept development 
  • Research (historical, cultural, stylistic) 
  • Sketching/rendering and design presentation 
• Supervise all aspects of costume production, including: 
  • Building, pulling, and sourcing costumes 
  • Alterations and fittings 
  • Budget-conscious decision-making 
• Ensure costumes are completed on schedule and meet performance needs 

Wardrobe & Run of Show Responsibilities 

• Train students to transition from costume shop roles to wardrobe crew positions  
• Establish and oversee wardrobe procedures, including: 
  • Quick changes 
  • Costume tracking and maintenance 
  • Pre-show checks and post-show care 
• Supervise wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals and performances 
• Attend key rehearsals as needed (design run, tech week, dress rehearsals, performances) 

Costume Shop & Inventory Management 

• Maintain and organize the costume shop and storage areas 
• Track costume inventory, including: 
  • Cataloging existing stock 
  • Monitoring condition and repair needs 
  • Managing check-in/check-out systems 
• Oversee use and maintenance of equipment (sewing machines, irons, etc.) 
• Ensure a safe and clean working environment for students 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Collaborate regularly with: 
  • Director 
  • Technical Director 
  • Stage Manager 
  • Other design staff 
• Participate in production meetings as needed 
• Communicate clearly with students regarding expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities  

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in costume design, construction, or theatrical production 
• Demonstrated ability to teach and mentor high school-aged students 
• Strong organizational and project management skills 
• Working knowledge of sewing, patterning, and costume construction techniques 
• Ability to balance educational goals with production deadlines 
• Prior experience in an educational or youth theater setting preferred
• Background in theatrical design or related field (degree or equivalent experience) preferred

KEY SKILLS

• Collaborative and student-centered approach 
• Ability to scaffold instruction for varying skill levels 
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to transition between tasks and timelines and identify priorities 
• Flexibility and creativity in a fast-paced production environment 
• Interpersonal savvy, which includes relating comfortably to a variety of personalities; cultivating and maintaining positive relationships; employing discretion, diplomacy, and tact  
• Commitment to creating an equitable work environment, which includes use of gender inclusive language; support for individual gender expression, racial equity and inter-generational collaboration; accessibility for people with disabilities; and cultural sensitivity 

TIME COMMITMENT

• Two primary production seasons: 
  • Fall Play: Sept 1 – Nov 15 
  • Winter Musical: Dec 1 – March 1 
• Instruction: 5 days/week, ~2 hours/day (Monday-Saturday afternoons) 
• Additional time for:  
  • Production planning 
  • Technical rehearsals and performances 
  • Costume prep and organization 
  • Other duties assigned by the director or necessitated by the production 

About Kimball Union Academy

Kimball Union Academy, founded in 1813, is one of the oldest private boarding and day schools in New Hampshire and the country. We are building a culture where differences are valued and we celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. Our employees engage with diverse and talented students across the curriculum to become analytical thinkers, creative problem solvers, effective communicators and contributors. KUA blends the best of the New England boarding tradition with an innovative, modern educational program for a diverse group of day and boarding students from across the country and around the world. Located in the village of Meriden, New Hampshire in the heart of the Upper Valley, Kimball Union is minutes from Dartmouth College and has direct access to Boston and New York. SCHOOL STATS •340 students •250 Boarding & 90 Day Students •From 28 countries •Grades 9-12 & PG •47 Teaching Faculty •6:1 Student/Faculty Ratio •12 Student average class size •Average years of faculty experience: 19 •Faculty tenure > 10 years: 2/3 •70% of faculty hold advanced degrees

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