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Backstage Dresser information

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$58K

$83K

How much do backstage dresser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for backstage dresser in the United States is $57,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $63,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backstage dresser?

Backstage Dressers are theater professionals responsible for assisting performers with costume changes during live shows and rehearsals. They ensure costumes are properly maintained, quick changes happen smoothly, and any last-minute repairs are handled efficiently. Dressers work closely with costume designers and actors to guarantee that all costumes are ready and fit correctly, contributing to the overall success of a production. Their role requires discretion, organization, and a thorough understanding of the show's wardrobe needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backstage dresser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backstage Dresser, you need a solid understanding of costume care, quick-change techniques, and garment repair, usually supported by experience in theater or fashion. Familiarity with sewing machines, wardrobe tracking software, and basic costume maintenance tools is often essential. Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for managing fast-paced changes and collaborating with performers and crew. These abilities ensure smooth costume transitions and contribute to the overall success and professionalism of theatrical productions.

What are some common challenges faced by backstage dressers during live performances?

Backstage dressers often work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where timing and attention to detail are crucial. One common challenge is executing quick costume changes within tight timeframes, sometimes in low-light or crowded backstage areas. Dressers must also be adaptable, as last-minute alterations or unexpected issues with costumes can occur. Strong communication and teamwork with performers and other crew members are essential to ensure smooth transitions and maintain the flow of the performance.

What is the difference between Backstage Dresser vs Costume Designer?

AspectBackstage DresserCostume Designer
CredentialsExperience in wardrobe management, sometimes certifications in costume or fashionFashion or costume design degree, portfolio
Work EnvironmentAssist with costumes backstage, quick changes, wardrobe maintenanceDesigning costumes, collaborating with directors and actors
Industry UsageUsed across theater, TV, film productions for wardrobe supportPrimarily in theater, film, TV for costume creation and design

Backstage Dressers focus on managing costumes backstage, assisting actors with quick changes, and maintaining wardrobe continuity. Costume Designers create original costumes, design concepts, and oversee costume production. While both roles work closely in the costume department, Dressers handle the practical, hands-on wardrobe support, whereas Designers are responsible for the creative and conceptual aspects of costumes.

What cities are hiring for Backstage Dresser jobs?

Cities with the most Backstage Dresser job openings:

What states have the most Backstage Dresser jobs?

States with the most job openings for Backstage Dresser jobs include:

Infographic showing various Backstage Dresser job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $57,960 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Wardrobe Dresser/Additional Labor (Temporary Part-time)

Woodruff Arts Center

Alliance, NE • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Woodruff Arts Center employees play an integral role in creating and supporting great art and education initiatives at the nation's third largest arts center. Comprised of three Art Partners-Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and High Museum of Art-there's a role for everyone at The Woodruff.

Reports to:

Costume Shop Director

FLSA:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Employment Status:

Temporary/Part time

The Wardrobe Dressers/Add Labor are primarily responsible for running shows, assisting with quick changes, organizing costumes during tech and runs, maintaining costumes' look and functionality, laundry, costume load ins and strikes for the Alliance Theatre's productions, including LORT B and D stages, as well as Theatre for Young Audiences shows. The Wardrobe Dressers also work closely with other members of the Alliance Staff including: Costume Shop Staff, Wig Run Crew, Sound Staff, Stage Ops Run Crews, Stage Managers, and Actors.


This is a temporary, part-time position, based on the calendar schedule of Alliance productions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Maintain original look of costumes
  • Attend to the actors in a calm, pleasant and professional manner
  • Assist actors in dressing and changing costumes and wigs
  • Launder, iron and repair costumes as needed
  • Attend run-throughs prior to tech
  • Generate paperwork for dressing track
  • Prep and organize backstage change areas
  • Prep and organize dressing rooms
  • Help prep understudy tracks
  • Assist with labelling and costume finishing as needed prior to tech
  • Assist with costume strike after last performance

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience:

  • Prior experience running wardrobe for theatrical productions
  • Experience in basic theatrical costuming techniques
  • Experience working with Equity actors or LORT theatres preferred

Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be skilled in using costume and sewing equipment including: steam irons, washers/dryers, laundry supplies, domestic or industrial sewing machines and other standard sewing equipment
  • Must have strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must be organized and able to interpret and follow directions
  • Must be able to stay calm under pressure
  • Ability to reliably work a variable schedule based on season calendar
  • Basic computer skills preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Necessary accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
  • Ability to carry items upstairs
  • Ability to work long hours during tech/dress rehearsals
  • Ability to use hands in small and large motor tasks
  • Ability to perform tasks in dim or low light
  • Some standing, walking, bending, frequent use of hands, stooping and lifting (at least 35 pounds) is needed
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate

Apply