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Assistant Costume Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Costume Manager is responsible for maintaining the appearance, functionality ... Seasonal: * Assist with costume assignments, size and fit actors, perform minor repairs as ...

Costume Studio Technician

Orange, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $25/hr

Position Summary Information Summary Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide ...

... management, including budgeting and safety compliance. * Experience in training and supervising student workers and costume shop assistants. * Experience and ability to positively interact with all ...

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Assistant Costume Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Costume Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Costume Manager, you need a solid background in costume design or fashion, strong organizational skills, and experience with garment construction, often supported by a relevant degree or vocational training. Familiarity with costume inventory management systems, sewing machines, and fabric care tools is typically important. Excellent communication, teamwork, and time management skills help you coordinate with designers, performers, and production teams under tight deadlines. These abilities ensure costumes are prepared, maintained, and delivered efficiently, directly impacting the quality and smooth operation of theatrical or film productions.

How much do costume assistants make?

Costume assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the production size. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while experienced assistants working on larger productions can earn higher wages or salaries. Some roles may also include benefits or opportunities for overtime pay.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles such as senior producers, media executives, and specialized technical directors can earn $150,000 or more annually. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of production or broadcasting tools.

What are the main challenges an Assistant Costume Manager might face during a production, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges Assistant Costume Managers encounter is coordinating costume changes and fittings within tight production schedules. They often need to manage last-minute alterations, ensure all pieces are ready for each performance, and communicate effectively with performers and other departments like stage management and wardrobe. Staying organized, anticipating needs, and maintaining clear documentation can help address these challenges. Building strong relationships with team members and being adaptable are also key to success in this dynamic environment.

What does a costume manager do?

A costume manager oversees the design, organization, and maintenance of costumes for a production. They coordinate fittings, manage costume inventories, and ensure costumes are ready and in good condition for performances, often working closely with designers and wardrobe staff.

What is the difference between Assistant Costume Manager vs Costume Supervisor?

AspectAssistant Costume ManagerCostume Supervisor
CredentialsExperience in costume departments, possibly some certifications in costume design or managementExtensive experience in costume management, often with leadership or supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume department, support costume planning and organizationOversee costume department, manage staff, and ensure costume quality and consistency
Industry UsageCommonly used in film, theater, and TV productions as a supporting roleUsed as a senior role in costume departments, often with managerial responsibilities

The Assistant Costume Manager primarily supports the costume department by assisting with organization and logistics, while the Costume Supervisor oversees the entire costume department, managing staff and ensuring costume quality. Both roles require experience in costume work, but the Supervisor holds more responsibility and leadership duties.

What are Assistant Costume Managers?

Assistant Costume Managers are professionals who support the Costume Manager in the planning, organization, and execution of all costume-related tasks for theatrical productions, film, television, or events. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with costume design, sourcing materials, maintaining costume inventories, overseeing fittings, and ensuring costumes are ready for performances. They also coordinate with other departments, manage schedules, and help solve last-minute costume issues. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of costume history and design.

What is the highest salary for a costume designer?

The highest salaries for costume designers can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for those working in film, television, or high-profile productions. Experienced costume designers with strong portfolios and industry connections tend to earn the most, often supplemented by additional benefits and royalties.
More about Assistant Costume Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Costume Manager jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Costume Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Manager jobs? The most popular types of Costume Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Costume Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Costume Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Costume Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

280th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260365S
Position Title:
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Position Type:
Staff
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
part-time/10-months
Avg Hours Week
20
Department:
146-Theatre
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Villanova Theatre Department's (VTD) Costume Shop Manager, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager assists with the technical theatre elements related to costumes, hair/makeup, wigs, and all elements of costume design for VTD productions. The primary responsibility of the Assistant Costume Shop Manager is to supervise the day-to-day operations of the costume shop. Responsibilities include leading in the construction and fitting of costumes according to the Costume Design, assisting in the pulling and renting of costume pieces, and assisting in the cleaning, organizing, and storing of all costume pieces. This individual will provide training and guidance to student workers and foster and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager with serve as costume coordinator for all Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) performative events, supervising the pulling of costumes, costume fittings and alterations, load-in, and strike of these productions. The Assistant Costume shop Manager is also responsible for the organization of Villanova Theatre's costume stock and any rentals of costume pieces.
The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of the team which includes student populations.
Flexible work schedule required (i.e. occasional evening and weekend work)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the Costume Build Process for Villanova Theatre Productions:
  • Create patterns for all costumes pieces that will be built in the shop.
  • Utilize student work force as first hands and stitchers.
  • Assist Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer in scheduling and managing fittings including setting up fitting room and taking/distributing fitting notes.
  • Train and schedule work study and graduate student first hands and stitchers.
  • Communicate with student design assistants regarding scheduling of fittings, fabric and shopping orders, yardages and notions needed per project and professional practices.

Lead Technical Coordinator/Costume Shop Supervisor for Student co-curricular groups:
  • Supervise any fittings, alterations, or builds for Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) productions.
  • Assist costume shop manager in purchasing, tracking budgets, gathering receipts, and handling returns of all purchased costume elements for these groups.
  • Advise student costume designers on design elements, schedules, and budgets for VST and VSMT productions.
  • Arrange trips to Villanova Theatre's costume stock with student designers.
  • Attend student group production meetings, design runs, and technical rehearsals as required

Organization and Oversight of Villanova Theatre Costume Stock:
  • Assist costume shop manager with organization of costume stock.
  • Serve as primary point person for outside rentals from costume stock
  • Serve as primary point person for costume donations.

Attend Villanova Theatre Events when Requested:
  • Events could include show-specific events such as design runs, technical rehearsals, or production meetings.
  • They could also include full department events such as meet and greets, orientations, or other full-staff events.
  • Event attendance will be discussed with the Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager.

Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned:
  • Duties could include fulfilling rehearsal requests (rehearsal clothing, shoes, etc.), assisting with wig or makeup items, or assisting with the wardrobe team

Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Associates Degree. Preferably in theatre design or technology or fashion.

Work Experience
  • 2-3 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Ability to work with individuals of all experience levels.
  • Experience teaching and mentoring students.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to help maintain an inventory of costume shop equipment

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Proficiency in costume construction and alteration techniques
  • Proficiency in draping and pattern making
  • Knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, fabric dying
  • Basic knowledge of purchasing and accounting

Equipment Knowledge
Operative Knowledge of:
  • All types of home and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock machines
  • Industrial irons

Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • BA or BS in Theatre or fashion with an emphasis in costume construction

Work Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or working as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Teaching experience a plus

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Costume design experience a plus
  • Wardrobe experience a plus
  • Experience with costume fittings and interacting with actors a plus

Equipment Knowledge
  • Experience with 3D Printers a plus
  • Experience with wigs or hair/makeup a plus

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Equipment used:
  • Sewing machines (homemaker and industrial)
  • Overlock machines
  • Steam irons
  • Steamers
  • Fabric scissors

Daytime work hours (primary), nights and weekends as assigned.
Must be able: to lift and physically move up to 30 lbs. bags of clothing, stand for 5-7 hours a day, withstand finger pricks from pinning clothing to be sewn, sit and sew for 5-7 hours a day if needed.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:
07/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within hourly grade 12 and the range is $22.36-28.22/hr. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:
12
Job Classification:
non-exempt

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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