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Associate Theatre Costume Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$67 - $75/hr

Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and ... theater, live action, or related field * Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design ...

Skydance

Associate Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$67 - $75/hr

Reporting to the Head of Costume Design, the Associate Costume Designer will expand upon and ... theater, live action, or related field * Education in Fashion Design, Costume Design, Toy Design ...

Tri-C

Lead Theatre Technician

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$23.75/hr

Altering andrepairing costume pieces * Laundering, pressing and assembling costumes * Working ... Associate's degree * Minimum of four years of equivalent full-time professional (paid) work ...

Marylandconnect

Music, Theatre, and Dance, Associate Professor | JM Position Type: Non-Regular Fixed Term (Fixed ... MFA in Design (e.g., set, costume, lighting, etc.) with demonstrated interest in other design ...

The Costumer

Sewing & Alterations Associate

Schenectady, NY

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

... costume rental and retail business. We are committed to advancing scholastic theatre with its ... Sewing & Alterations Assoicate In this role, you will fit, alter, repair, and assist in making made ...

The Costumer

Wardrobe/ Laundry Associate

Schenectady, NY

$13 - $17.75/hr

... costume rental and retail business. We are committed to advancing scholastic theatre with its ... Wardrobe Operations Associate Reports To: Production Manager FLSA Status: Nonexempt- Part-Time ...

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Associate Theatre Costume information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate theatre costume?

To thrive as an Associate Theatre Costume, you need strong skills in costume design, garment construction, and fabric knowledge, typically supported by a degree in costume design, theatre, or fashion. Proficiency with sewing machines, pattern-making software, and wardrobe management systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, and time management are vital soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure the seamless creation and maintenance of costumes that enhance the theatrical experience and meet production deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate theatre costume during a production?

Associate Theatre Costume professionals often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, adapting designs to fit last-minute cast changes, and maintaining costumes throughout the run of a show. Balancing creative vision with budget constraints is another frequent hurdle, requiring resourcefulness and strong communication with the design team and directors. Collaboration with actors, stage managers, and wardrobe staff is essential to ensure costumes are comfortable, functional, and true to the production's aesthetic.

What is the difference between Associate Theatre Costume vs Costume Designer?

AspectAssociate Theatre CostumeCostume Designer
CredentialsRelevant education in costume design or related field, experience in costume constructionAdvanced education in costume design, extensive portfolio, professional experience
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume creation, manage fittings, coordinate with costume teamLead the design process, create original designs, oversee costume department
Industry UsageSupporting role within theatre productions, often employed by theatre companiesCreative leadership role, responsible for overall costume concept and design

The Associate Theatre Costume typically supports the costume department by assisting with costume construction and fittings, while the Costume Designer leads the creative process, designing costumes and setting the visual tone for the production. Both roles require relevant experience, but the Designer holds more responsibility for the overall aesthetic.

What does an associate theatre costume do?

An Associate Theatre Costume is responsible for assisting the costume designer in the creation, organization, and maintenance of costumes for theatrical productions. Their duties often include sourcing materials, coordinating fittings, overseeing costume construction, and handling alterations or repairs. They work closely with the costume designer, actors, and other production staff to ensure that costumes meet the artistic vision and practical needs of the performance. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a good understanding of fabrics and garment construction.

How to become an associate theatre costume?

To become an associate theatre costume designer or technician, individuals typically need a background in costume design, fashion, or theater arts, often gained through a relevant degree or training program. Experience working on theatrical productions, proficiency with costume construction and sewing, and knowledge of costume history and fabric types are important. Building a portfolio and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions can help advance to an associate role in theatre costume departments.
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Associate Theatre Costume jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Theatre Costume job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

310th of 618 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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