Backstage Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating. We do this every day across all properties; all located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Ask anyone who has visited Dollywood Parks & Resorts, and they will tell you this place is different. It’s not a difference that you can touch or see - it’s a difference you can feel. We are seeking a Costume Assistant who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together and caring deeply about our brand. This person also brings a spirit of fun, authenticity, collaboration, creativity and genuine hospitality to the lives of our guests.

We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. This individual is driven to create meaningful experiences for our hosts, guests, and community while ensuring the success and profitability of our unique offerings. The right Costume Assistant will include equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.

The Costume Assistant position exists to assist with the organization, production, and maintenance of all Entertainment costumes. This is to be done in a manner consistent with the Mission and Values of The Dollywood Company.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.

Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Distribute costumes and wardrobe accessories
• Assist performers with dressing/costume changes and attend to costumes during performances
• Provide assistance and guidance (as requested) in organizing backstage costume operations for a performance
• Clean, press, and spot-clean costumes using washing and drying machines, electric iron, and cleaning supplies
• Fabricate, alter, and repair costumes by hand or using sewing machine, and may create unusual costumes, applying creative ingenuity
• Fill in as Costume Dresser as needed
• Keep records of costumes issued and returned

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time

Education and Experience Required

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• 3-5 Years Sewing Skills, Required
• 1-2 Years Previous costuming experience, Required
• Experience in a theme park, theater, or school production setting, preferred
• Considerable knowledge of accepted concepts and practices concerned with the care and maintenance of theatrical costumes required
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Wig maintenance and styling, Highly Preferred
• Shoe repair experience, Highly Preferred
• Driver's license and acceptable driving record required if appointed authorized driver

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must reflect Dollywood’s image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in their work
• Must be self-motivated and disciplined
• Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
• Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
• Must be committed to continuous improvement
• Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
• Must promote and support a “team” work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
• Must adapt to changes easily
• Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to take action to meet their needs within company guidelines
• Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
• Must reflect Dollywood’s core values through the lens of dignity and respect
• Able to display and live out Lead with Love Qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable
• Able to effectively communicate with Hosts and Guests using approved communication methods
• Able to smile and make eye contact to make a friendly impression when greeting guests, vendors and other employees
• Must have manual dexterity necessary to complete all job duties
• Able to sit and/or stand for long/short periods
• Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
• Able to maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Able to be productive in a fast-paced environment
• Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
• Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. with assistance
• Able to prioritize tasks and complete assignments on time
• Must be able to tolerate heat up to 100 degrees and cold to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with fluctuations in humidity due to indoor and outdoor facilities
• Must be able to stand, sit, kneel, stoop, bend, and move about in order to perform job
• Must be able to tolerate various chemicals (i.e. cleaning supplies, dyes, etc.)

Physical and Cognitive Requirements 

• Lifting and Carrying:Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 30 lbs utilizing company’s safety guidelines for safe lifting 
• Mobility:Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 16 hours. Employees may also be required to travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain, stairs and uneven surfaces 
• Repetitive Movements:This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions 
• Environmental Conditions:This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees may be required to work indoors and outdoors 
• Cognitive and Sensory Requirements:This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved methods 

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.