The Davis Academy, an independent Kindergarten Prep - Eighth Grade school in Dunwoody/Sandy Springs, seeks an experienced Wardrobe & Costume Shop Production Head for the 2026-2027 all school musical. This is a part-time, seasonal position starting in December. The hourly rate is $18,
The Wardrobe & Costume Shop Production Head serves as the operational lead for costume shop workflow, wardrobe logistics, volunteer coordination, backstage costume operations, wig maintenance, and costume and prop organization for the school’s annual All-School Musical, featuring approximately 150 students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
This seasonal, project-based position is responsible for the hands-on execution and day-to-day management of costume and wardrobe operations while supporting the established costume design and artistic vision for the production. The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, skilled in costume construction and fabrication, and comfortable working in a fast-paced educational theatre environment with students, staff, and volunteers.
Production Scope
· Approximately 150 student performers, ages 5–15
· Large-scale, Broadway-style musical production
· Extensive costume inventory and backstage wardrobe logistics
· Multiple costume changes and quick changes
· Technical rehearsals and multiple performances
· Significant volunteer involvement
· Multi-month production schedule
Project Timeline & Time Commitment
Project Period: December 1 – March 16
Estimated weekly commitment varies throughout the production cycle:
· December: Approximately 6–10 hours per week
· January – February 20: Approximately 20–25 hours per week
· February 21 – March 5: Up to 40 hours per week
· March 7 – March 16: 40+ hours per week during technical rehearsals and performances
The position requires flexibility based on production needs. Additional expectations include evening rehearsals, Sunday and weekend rehearsals beginning in late January, full attendance during tech week and performances, and some daytime availability for fittings, costume work, and organization.
Primary Responsibilities
Costume Shop & Production
· Manage the daily workflow, organization, and priorities of the costume shop.
· Execute costume construction, fabrication, alterations, repairs, and finishing work.
· Perform trimming, embellishment, sequining, glittering, and other detailed costume work.
· Fabricate and accessorize costume and prop elements as assigned.
· Sew from existing patterns and assist with adapting or creating patterns as needed.
· Conduct fittings and sizing for student cast members.
· Help ensure costumes are completed according to the established design vision and production schedule.
Wardrobe & Backstage Operations
· Develop and maintain systems for costume tracking, labeling, steaming, laundering, repairs, and ongoing maintenance.
· Organize and maintain backstage dressing areas, costume racks, and preset systems.
· Coordinate wardrobe needs for technical rehearsals and performances.
· Support and manage backstage costume changes and quick changes.
· Maintain wardrobe continuity throughout the production.
· Assist with wigging during the show run, including basic wig and hairpiece maintenance.
Volunteer Coordination & Organization
· Coordinate, train, and delegate tasks to costume shop volunteers and other support staff.
· Provide clear direction to volunteers while maintaining an organized and productive work environment.
· Maintain organization of the costume shop, prop storage, backstage storage, and dressing areas throughout the production.
· Work collaboratively with the production team to anticipate and resolve costume and wardrobe needs.
Post-Production
· Assist with costume and prop strike following the final performance.
· Oversee the return, organization, and inventory of costumes, accessories, and related materials.
· Restore costume shop, storage, backstage, and dressing areas to their appropriate condition following the production.
Qualifications
· Strong costume construction, sewing, and alteration skills required.
· Extensive experience with costume, accessory, and/or prop fabrication required.
· Experience with trimming, embellishment, sequining, glittering, and detailed finishing work required.
· Ability to sew from commercial patterns and adapt or create patterns as needed.
· Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
· Ability to effectively coordinate and direct volunteers with varying levels of experience.
· Strong communication and collaboration skills.
· Ability to work effectively around children and within a school environment.
· Ability and willingness to work evenings, weekends, technical rehearsals, and performances as required.
· Theatre wardrobe, costume shop, or educational theatre experience preferred.
· Familiarity with backstage production environments, quick changes, and wig maintenance preferred.
Physical & Work Requirements
This is a hands-on production position that may require extended periods of standing, sewing, fitting, organizing, and working backstage. The role may also involve lifting and moving costumes, supplies, storage bins, racks, props, and other production materials. The ability to work efficiently in a busy environment and adjust to changing production needs is essential.
Overall, this position plays an important role in creating a well-organized, professional, and positive production experience for our student performers and the broader school community.
