CUTTER

The CUTTER is responsible for the efficient and timely realization of the COSTUME DESIGNER’S designs. They do this by interpreting the designs, drafting original patterns, cutting and altering the costumes, and co-ordinating any and all aspects of the physical costume (millinery, wigs, jewellery, accessories, and footwear). The CUTTER must also be able to analyze and cost costume designs, and may participate, with the WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, in the buying of fabric and trim. This position supervises the FIRST HAND, who assists the CUTTER on specific costumes, and the SEAMSTRESSES.

The responsibilities of the CUTTER, in addition to those of a HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, shall include but not be limited to:

PRIOR TO THE PRODUCTION PERIOD

• Reads the script and makes appropriate notes
• Attends a meeting with the COSTUME DESIGNER or CO-ORDINATOR and WARDROBE SUPERVISOR to discuss concepts
• Ensures he/she completely understands the DESIGNER or CO-ORDINATORS intentions and expectations
• Performs research, as necessary, into the period history and context of the design, paying particular attention to appropriate styles; recognizes the need to interpret period styles for the stage

DURING THE PRODUCTION PERIOD

• Discusses with the DESIGNER or CO-ORDINATOR, in detail, all costumes, including fabric textures and weights, trims, etc, for built items, in order to accurately cost each costume piece
• Contributes to, in conjunction with the WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, the costing of the production’s costumes
• Interprets, and prepares technical drawings, after analyzing the COSTUME DESIGNER’S original sketches
• Prepares and drafts patterns to facilitate the cutting of costumes, according to the demands of period, style, and requirements of the production
• Contributes to the creation of a separate sheet for each costume, showing which cloth and trimming is to be used, details of accessories and shoes, hats and wigs, etc, and attaches, to the sheet, fabric swatches, where applicable; these sheets are usually bound in a three- ring binder and become known as THE BIBLE
• Sources, selects and purchases, in collaboration with the DESIGNER and WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, fabric, trim, notions, etc, as required
• Ensures the accuracy of the MASTER COSTUME PLOT
• Creates a time-line for the production(s), to ensure all costume pieces are completed in a timely manner
• Is responsible for all alterations, ensuring these are carried out in a practical and efficient manner
• Schedules and assigns, in consultation with the WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, all work performed by the 1ST HAND and SEAMSTRESSES in the Production Wardrobe; ensures adherence to the permitted work hours of the Wardrobe shop
• Contributes to, in conjunction with the STAGE MANAGER and WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, the scheduling of all actor measurement sessions and costume fittings, adhering to the restrictions laid out in the Canadian Actors’ Equity Agreement

NOTE: 24 hours notice is required for any scheduling of, or change to, a fitting

• Is present at all fittings
• Ensures that the wardrobe areas are kept clean tidy and organized
• Is responsible for, in conjunction with the WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, ensuring all equipment is functioning smoothly, to allow work in the Shop to continue unhindered
• Notifies the Faculty HEAD OF COSTUME, staff WARDROBE SUPERVISOR and the PRODUCTION and OPERATIONS MANAGER when any piece of equipment is not working
• Ensures, in conjunction with the WARDROBE SUPERVISOR, the consumable stock (thread, pins, needles, etc) is replenished following each production

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is not intended to replace the required reading or research in your area, or information gained in the classroom.

To be used in conjunction with the HEAD OF DEPARTMENT job description.

The demands of this position, and the hours worked, will vary with each production.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE BY THE RESIDENT STAFF AND FACULTY