Lead Crafts Artisan

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, At-Will Employee
Location: The Ruth Costume Shop, currently located in Orem, UT
Reports to: Costume Director
Compensation: $21-23/hr (based on experience)

Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education (dba The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater / The Ruth) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly theater experiences. We are passionate about arts education and its positive impact on our community. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that brings joy and culture to Utah Valley!   

Job Summary: The Lead Crafts Artisan is responsible for the skilled construction, finishing, and detailing of all costume crafts elements used in The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater’s productions. Working under the supervision of the Costume Director and in close collaboration with the Costume Designer, this role focuses on executing the physical build of costume crafts such as hats, armor, masks, jewelry, footwear modifications, and other specialty costume components. The Lead Crafts Artisan ensures that each piece is produced to the highest standard of craftsmanship, durability, and visual quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Fabrication & Construction:

  • Construct, shape, and finish costume crafts items—including millinery, armor, masks, belts, jewelry, and accessories—based on designer renderings and approved samples. 
  • Prepare and manipulate a range of materials including fabric, leather, foam, thermoplastics, resin, and metals. 
  • Execute surface treatments such as dyeing, painting, distressing, or sealing, as directed by the Costume Director or Designer. 
  • Modify or adapt commercial items to meet production needs. 
  • Ensure all completed crafts pieces meet production and safety standards for performance use. 

Collaboration & Communication:

  • Work closely with the Costume Director, Drapers, Stitchers, and Wardrobe teams to integrate crafts pieces into complete costumes. 
  • Attend fittings or production meetings as requested to confirm fit and function of constructed items. 
  • Communicate progress, material needs, and construction challenges in a timely manner. 

Organization & Shop Support:

  • Maintain an organized and efficient work area within the costume shop.
  • Assist with inventory and safe storage of crafts materials and tools. 
  • Label, track, and deliver completed crafts to the appropriate production racks or departments. 
  • Follow all safety protocols for dyes, adhesives, and specialized equipment. 

Maintenance & Repair:

  • Perform repairs, refurbishments, or touch-ups on crafts items that fall outside the scope of the Wardrobe crew, including armor, masks, millinery, or heavily treated costume pieces. 
  • Assess durability and performance issues and communicate repair needs to the Costume Director. 
  • Reproduce or modify crafts items as needed for cast replacements or understudies. 
  • Maintain documentation of materials and processes for effective future repairs. 

Mentorship & Workflow:

  • Provide guidance to crafts assistants, overhire artisans, or interns assigned to specific builds. 
  • Share knowledge of construction techniques, materials, and safe handling practices. 
  • Support the Costume Director in developing efficient build timelines and coordinating workflow across multiple productions. 
  • Other duties as assigned by the Costume Director. 

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Costume Technology, Fine Arts, or related field, or equivalent professional experience. 
  • Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience constructing costume crafts for live performance. 
  • Strong hands-on skills with a wide range of fabrication techniques and materials, including millinery, leatherwork, foam, thermoplastics, resins, and bonding materials. 
  • Proficiency in hand sewing, machine sewing, jewelry construction, cobblery or shoe alteration, and accessory building. 
  • Familiarity with painting, dyeing, distressing, and basic color theory. 
  • Basic patterning or sculptural shaping ability for crafts builds. 
  • Comfortable working with both fine detail and large-scale construction materials such as PVC, plastics, clays, dowels, thermoplastics, and found objects. 
  • Understanding of simple mechanical principles (pulleys, levers) used in wearable or moving costume elements. 
  • Knowledge of safe handling procedures for adhesives, dyes, and PPE requirements. 
  • Ability to assess and repair or refinish crafted items as needed. 
  • Excellent attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and collaborative communication skills. 
  • Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, work standing for extended periods, and safely operate shop equipment and power tools. 

Compensation Guidelines:

Position Type: Full-Time, Hourly; Non-Exempt
Hours to Work: 40 hours per week
Compensation: $21 - $23 Hourly (based on experience
Benefits: Health Insurance, dental plans, 401k, life insurance, long & short term disability, paid time off, and other company-specific benefits.

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