Seussical Costume and Prop Manager- Westonka Community Theatre - Westonka Community Education and Services

Westonka Community Theatre (WCT) is a growing non-profit collaborative production company based in the Westonka District and operating under Westonka Community Education. We are based in Mound, MN, approximately 20 minutes west of Minneapolis. The mission of WCT is to provide quality theatre experiences for residents of all ages and abilities.

POSITION: Costume & Prop Manager for Seussical the Musical
REPORTS TO: WCT Executive Committee through the Board Chair, in collaboration with the Executive Producer and Director.

TIME: This is a project-based position for the duration of the production of Seussical the Musical. Production meetings begin in December; auditions are April 29–May 1, 2027; and stage rehearsals begin June 7, 2027. Rehearsals are Mondays through Thursdays, 6–9 p.m., with extended hours and occasional additional days during tech week. Tech week is July 17–22. Show dates are July 23, 25, 30, 31, and August 1.

The Costume & Prop Manager will be expected to attend production meetings as needed, costume fittings, selected rehearsals, tech rehearsals, performances as needed, and strike. Additional time outside scheduled rehearsals may be necessary to complete costume alterations, repairs, prop preparation, and organizational tasks.

COMPENSATION: $1,000.00

The Costume & Prop Manager is responsible for coordinating, sourcing, organizing, altering, maintaining, and tracking costumes, accessories, hand props, and other production props for Seussical the Musical. This position plays an important role in bringing the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss to life by ensuring performers have the costumes and props they need to support character development, storytelling, and the overall production vision.

The Costume & Prop Manager will collaborate with the Director, Executive Producer, Stage Manager, and other production staff, including paid personnel and volunteers, to ensure that all costume and prop needs are met within the approved production budget and timeline.

This is a hands-on position requiring sewing and alteration skills, attention to detail, creativity, and strong organizational abilities. The Costume & Prop Manager will be responsible for conducting fittings, making necessary costume alterations and repairs, sourcing and organizing props, and ensuring all costumes and props are ready for rehearsals and performances. The successful candidate will be resourceful, comfortable working with a large cast of children and adults, and able to coordinate volunteer support when available.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous costume, wardrobe, prop management, or backstage production experience with educational, community, or professional theatre productions.
• Proficiency in sewing, garment alterations, hemming, repairs, and adjusting costumes to fit performers of varying sizes.
• Ability to operate a sewing machine and perform basic garment construction, modifications, and repairs.
• Knowledge of costume fitting, fabric handling, costume sourcing, and wardrobe organization.
• Experience sourcing, organizing, maintaining, and tracking hand props and other production materials.
• Ability to assess costume and prop needs and develop practical, creative solutions within a limited budget.
• Strong organizational, communication, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with performers, volunteers, and production staff of all ages and experience levels.
• Experience managing costume and prop needs for a large cast, including children and adults.
• Commitment to performer safety, accessibility, comfort, and ease of movement.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and timelines.
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PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Costume Management

• Collaborate with the Director and production team to determine costume needs based on the script, character breakdowns, and overall production vision.
• Identify costume and accessory requirements for principal characters, ensemble members, and specialty roles.
• Source costumes and materials through WCT's existing inventory, borrowing, rentals, purchases, or modifications as needed.
• Conduct costume fittings, take measurements, and make necessary adjustments to ensure costumes fit performers properly.
• Perform hands-on alterations, including hemming, taking in or letting out garments, adjusting straps and closures, replacing fasteners, and modifying costumes as needed.
• Complete costume repairs and modifications throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
• Adapt existing costumes to meet character requirements and accommodate performers of varying sizes and abilities.
• Maintain organized costume records, fitting notes, measurements, and character-specific costume lists.
• Organize costumes, shoes, accessories, and specialty pieces by character and performer, ensuring all items are clearly labeled and easy to locate.
• Collaborate with the Director and Stage Manager to plan costume changes, including quick changes and backstage organization.
• Coordinate with costume volunteers or assistants, as available, to support fittings, alterations, repairs, and costume organization.
• Ensure costumes are clean, maintained, and ready for rehearsals, tech rehearsals, and performances.
• Keep sewing equipment and alteration supplies organized and in good working condition.

Prop Management

• Collaborate with the Director and production team to identify hand props, specialty props, and other prop requirements for the production.
• Review the script and rehearsal needs to develop and maintain a prop list identifying items required by each scene, character, and performer.
• Source props through WCT's existing inventory, borrowing, rentals, purchases, or creative fabrication as needed.
• Maintain an organized prop inventory and track the location, condition, and use of all production props.
• Coordinate with the Director and Stage Manager to establish prop placement, handling, movement, and preset requirements throughout the show.
• Ensure props are safe, functional, age-appropriate, and suitable for use by performers of varying abilities.
• Establish and maintain organized prop tables and designated storage areas for rehearsals and performances.
• Ensure props are clearly labeled, preset before each performance, and returned to their designated locations after use.
• Coordinate prop repairs, replacements, and adjustments as needed throughout the production.
• Communicate missing, damaged, or unavailable props to the appropriate production staff in a timely manner.

BUDGET, COLLABORATION & PRODUCTION SUPPORT

• Work with the Executive Producer to establish and manage the costume and prop budget.
• Track purchases, rentals, borrowed items, and expenses, ensuring all spending remains within the approved budget.
• Seek cost-effective solutions by utilizing existing inventory, community resources, donations, and volunteer support.
• Attend production meetings as needed to communicate progress, identify outstanding needs, and coordinate upcoming deadlines.
• Attend selected rehearsals and tech rehearsals to assess costume and prop requirements in practice and make necessary adjustments.
• Communicate progress, timelines, challenges, and additional needs to the Director and Executive Producer.
• Coordinate costume and prop strike following the final performance, including the return of borrowed or rented items.
• Ensure costumes, accessories, props, and purchased materials are accounted for and properly returned to WCT's inventory and storage areas.

WCT is a highly collaborative theatre organization, with board members and volunteers providing much of the support needed for each production. It is essential that our Costume & Prop Manager works collaboratively with these individuals, communicates effectively, and understands how to bring creative ideas to life within the limitations of time, budget, and available resources.

This engagement is project-based and carries no assurance of subsequent placement.

This position is temporary and does not guarantee future employment.