Illinois Shakespeare Festival – Costumes Crew

Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: School of Theatre, Dance, and Film

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is seeking applications for highly skilled and experienced Cutter/Drapers and First Hands, as well as Costume Technicians and Costume Crafts Technicians for the 2026 summer season.

• Professional cutter/draper experience is required. Professional first hand experience is preferred in addition to being a skilled cutter/draper or first hand. The ideal candidate should work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, have excellent communication skills, and be able to teach young costume professionals and interns.
• Positions will be available for both the build period of the Festival and the full season. Cutter/drapers and First Hands hired for the build period will work from May 19 – July 10. First Hands/Wardrobe Crew Heads hired for the full season will work May 19 – August 5 and be transitioned to wardrobe crew when dress rehearsals begin.

• Costume construction experience is required, preferably in a professional environment. In addition to strong construction skills, the ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, be able to work well in a fast-paced environment, be able to produce professional quality costumes independently, and teach interns.
• Positions will be available for the full season. Costume technicians hired for the full season will work May 19 – August 5 and be transitioned to wardrobe crew when dress rehearsals begin.

• Experience working in a managerial position is required preferably in a professional craft shop. The ideal candidate must work well in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, and possess excellent communication skills. Candidates must demonstrate advanced organizational skills and an ability to work with professional costume designers. Knowledge of costume and craft construction methods is required.
• This position is available for the build period of the Festival, May 19 – July 10.

Housing is available at a reduced cost beginning on May 18.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed and positions filled as applications are received.

In addition to the required resume and cover letter, interested applicants are encouraged to submit images of their work, uploaded as a Word or PDF document. Alternatively, a link to an online portfolio can be uploaded in a Word or PDF document.

IF YOU ARE AN ISU STUDENT (enrolled in at least 6 undergraduate or 5 graduate credit hours during the Spring 2026 semester):
Please do not apply to this posting. You will need to apply to the student employment posting, located here: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival is a professional repertory theatre company that produces Shakespeare and contemporary plays in the spirit of Shakespeare every summer at the beautiful Ewing Cultural Center in Bloomington, Illinois. The Festival hires professional Directors, Designers, Actors, and production personnel and offers a variety of internships to students from Illinois State University and other colleges and universities. The Festival sells an average of 10,000 tickets per year, is supported by Illinois State University and the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society.

Benefits include time away from work for eligible employees and the option to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.

Positions range from $15.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour

• Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment
• Self-motivated
• Strong communication skills
• Additional requirements included in the General Summary

Regular shop hours are typically Tuesday through Sunday 8:00am to 4:30pm with an average of 30 hours per week. Individual schedules will vary based on daily needs. Additional hours may be added during tech weeks. For the position who will stay through the festival, work hours will shift to mostly evening hours for performances.