Costume Designer & Theatrical Design Teacher (F/T)

Germantown Friends School is seeking a highly creative, motivated, and experienced Theatre Artist with a background in costume design to join our team of artist teachers in providing programming and productions for students of various ages. In this role, you will design and create costumes, teach and mentor older students in design techniques and theory, and support the program more generally as part of a collaborative team of passionate and skilled artist-educators. With a focus on the creative process, performance, and critical response, GFS Theatre is committed to the cultivation of the individual artist and their imagination - and to the communal practice of collaboration. It is in this spirit of collaboration that we seek to grow our team of Teaching Artists.

Key Responsibilities include:

Costume Design & Production

• Collaborate with directors and production teams to design and execute costumes that support the vision of each production.
• Oversee the full process of costuming each show including fittings, alterations, and final presentation to ensure they meet production needs and standards.
• Manage theatre wardrobe and inventory - including organization, maintenance, and repairs.
• Stay up to date on industry trends and developments.
• Support all school productions as part of a collaborative team of multi-hyphenate artists.

Teaching & Learning

• Develop and deliver curriculum for an Upper School Theatre Design course as well as a Middle School Introduction to Sewing workshop.
• Provide hands-on instruction and guidance to students interested in both conceptual design and construction.
• Encourage and engage students (many of whom will be new to design and sewing) toward participation and personal expression.
• Collaboratively participate with a team of artist-teachers in the presentation of a dynamic, ambitious, multi-faceted school theatre program. 
• Be an active participant in the life of the school by attending faculty meetings and professional development.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be an energetic and creative artist who is enthusiastic about sharing their passion with young people.
• Possess personal awareness as well as the ability and desire to work in a diverse and inclusive Quaker school environment.
• Have experience working with middle and/or upper school students.
• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in a Theatre Arts-related field or equivalent professional experience and/or training.
• Have demonstrated experience as a Costume Designer with a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of work.
• Have outstanding communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Have the willingness and ability to work during after-school hours and/or weekends for occasional rehearsals, performances, or other school activities.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining your design experience and teaching philosophy, resume or CV, the names and contact info of three references, and, if available, a portfolio of costume designs, all as attachments, to [email protected]. Please include “Costume Designer” in the subject line.

Germantown Friends School is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in its student body, faculty, and staff. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status. People demonstrating a commitment to diversity and multiculturalism in education are encouraged to apply. For more information about the school, please visit our website at www.germantownfriends.org.

Germantown Friends School is a Quaker, independent, co-educational day school, serving early childhood‐12th grade. Located in northwest Philadelphia, the school is home to a vibrant intellectual community, located in a historic neighborhood, serving a diverse school community, with a robust educational program that is grounded in Quaker principles. For more information about the school, visit www.germantownfriends.org.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter outlining your design experience and teaching philosophy, resume or CV, the names and contact info of three references, and, if available, a portfolio of costume designs, all as attachments, to [email protected]. Please include “Costume Designer” in the subject line.