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Costume Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

University of Michigan

Wardrobe Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $58K/yr

Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; experienced students may design costumes, sets, or lighting for these productions. University ...

City of Livonia, MI

Parks & Rec - Level 8

Livonia, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $21.50/hr

Costume Character, Programmer, Specialty Instructor, and Technology Assistant. Please see the Illustrative Examples of Work section below for more information. Costume Character - Wears themed ...

City of Livonia

Parks & Rec - Level 8

Livonia, MI · On-site

$20.75 - $21.50/hr

Costume Character, Programmer, Specialty Instructor, and Technology Assistant. Please see the Illustrative Examples of Work section below for more information. Costume Character - Wears themed ...

Detroit Lions

Mascot Backup

Detroit, MI · On-site

... * Assist with crowd management and maintaining a safe, positive environment for fan and staff ... Ensure the mascot costume is properly maintained, cleaned, and presented in accordance with ...

Detroit Lions

Mascot Backup

Detroit, MI

... * Assist with crowd management and maintaining a safe, positive environment for fan and staff ... Ensure the mascot costume is properly maintained, cleaned, and presented in accordance with ...

TJO 10 X 10 MANAGEMENT, L.P.

Activities Lead

Carsonville, MI · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

This is a seasonal role and reports to the Assistant General Manager. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS ... Take turns dressing in the character costumes and escorting co-workers while they are in costume.

Blakes Payroll Group LLC

Haunt Manager

Armada, MI

... Assistant Haunt Managers and two Haunt Leads to bring it to life, night after night, reporting to ... costumes, contract labor, and special effects; negotiate and manage vendor and contractor ...

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Costume Assistant information

What is a costume assistant?

Costume Assistants are professionals who support costume designers and wardrobe departments in the creation, organization, and maintenance of costumes for film, television, theater, or live events. Their duties can include sourcing materials, helping with fittings, making minor repairs or alterations, and ensuring costumes are ready and available for performers. They play a key role in keeping the costume workflow smooth and ensuring the visual quality and continuity of a production's wardrobe.

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

To thrive as a Costume Assistant, you need a solid understanding of costume design, garment construction, and basic sewing skills, often backed by formal education in fashion or theater arts. Familiarity with tools like sewing machines, garment care equipment, and wardrobe management software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you stand out when supporting costume designers and collaborating with performers. These abilities ensure that costumes are prepared, maintained, and delivered efficiently, contributing to the overall success of theatrical or film productions.

What are some common challenges costume assistants face when working on large productions?

Costume Assistants on large productions often face the challenge of managing multiple costumes and quick changes, sometimes under tight time constraints. Coordinating with actors, costume designers, and other crew members requires strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, keeping track of costume continuity and handling last-minute adjustments are common aspects of the role. Being adaptable and detail-oriented helps Costume Assistants thrive in these fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Costume Assistant vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume AssistantCostume Designer
CredentialsOften high school diploma or equivalent; some experience in costume workFormal education in fashion, costume design, or related fields; portfolio required
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume preparation, fittings, and maintenance on set or stageLead the design process, create costumes, and oversee costume department
Industry UsageCommonly employed in film, TV, theater, and live performances

The main difference is that a Costume Assistant supports the costume department by handling tasks like costume prep and organization, while a Costume Designer is responsible for creating and designing the costumes themselves. The Costume Assistant typically works under the supervision of the Costume Designer and focuses on execution, whereas the Costume Designer leads the creative process.

How to become a costume assistant?

To become a costume assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and gain experience in costume design, sewing, or wardrobe management. Skills in fabric manipulation, attention to detail, and familiarity with costume tools and materials are important, and some positions may require knowledge of costume history or the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Costume jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Costume Assistant jobs in Michigan?

For Costume Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Costume Assistant jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Costume Assistant jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Costume Assistant jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Costume Assistant job openings:

Costume Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Wardrobe Manager

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

University of Michigan
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 623 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about University of Michiganexternal

$52K - $58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.
This is a full time, seasonal position, working the production year (38 or 39 weeks) from mid-August to the end of April (or beginning of May) annually. Salary listed is the full time- 12 month salary. The seasonal salary range is $39,000 - $43,680 ($1,000 - $1,120 per week / $25 - $28 per hour). Under FLSA, this position is entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.
  • We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
  • We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
  • We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.
Responsibilities*
University Productions is the producing unit of the school. It presents nine fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the Departments of Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre & Drama, and Voice & Opera in three different venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors; designed by faculty, students, and guests; and crewed by performance and Design & Production majors. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; experienced students may design costumes, sets, or lighting for these productions. University Productions also manages the five main performance halls on behalf of the University.
Basic Responsibility:
  1. Manage the wardrobe operations of nine theatrical productions and one Musical-Theatre showcase produced by University Productions
  2. Provide associated costume-construction services when assigned.

Tasks to be Performed as Wardrobe Manager:
  • Attend production meetings, fittings, dress rehearsals, quick-change rehearsals, and run-throughs in order to organize wardrobe and to complete its associated paperwork. Train and oversee student wardrobe crews in backstage procedures, quick-changes, load-in, strike, costume maintenance, and backstage hygiene. Coordinate backstage schedule and wardrobe paperwork with shop manager, costume designer, stage management and wig/makeup personnel. Communicate wardrobe notes with the designer and shop manager. Give feedback on job performance of student wardrobe crews.
  • Provide instructions and training to wardrobe crew for the nightly care of each garment. Make sure that each performer has all their garments labeled and at hand. Produce wardrobe paperwork for the student crew and performers using proprietary inventory database (Wardrobe Wizard).
  • Oversee the transport of costumes during load-in and strike from the shop to theater for the nine main stage productions. Manage the laundry, clean up, and dry cleaning of costumes after strike.
  • Be available for urgent repairs during scheduled performances

Secondary Costume Tasks to be Performed:
  • When assigned by the costume shop manager due to pressing production deadlines, fabricate costumes, costume elements, or costume crafts according to the designs of the costume designer within the parameters of the production budget.
  • Sew or alter assigned costumes that are built, purchased, rented or pulled from stock.
  • Coordinate and partner with other shop staff to solve production problems and to find solutions to working with unusual materials. Help ensure the shop goal of having all assigned costumes ready for use at each first-dress rehearsal.

General Duties to be Performed:
  • Assure safe work practices and compliance with MIOSHA regulations, especially regarding the proper use of solvents and related equipment.
  • Assist student designers on the process of realizing their designs (faculty will advise on aesthetics).
  • Help with the specification and recommendation of new equipment or the modification of existing equipment to meet operational or special production needs.
  • Help with occasional special projects and facility improvements.

Required Qualifications*
  • A bachelor's degree in costuming, or the equivalent combination of education and experience with a recognized professional company, is necessary.
  • Experience in wardrobe operations, and Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel (can maintain complex spreadsheets), is necessary.
  • This position is required to work a flexible 40 hour per week schedule, including nights and weekends during production runs. There will be periods of paid overtime when productions overlap.
  • The ability to sew and to repair costumes is necessary. The ability to operate an industrial steam iron is necessary.
  • This position routinely moves materials, such as heavy rolling wardrobe racks, weighing up to 50 pounds for various needs.
  • This position routinely climbs stairs to perform work duties.
  • This position involves traveling to various locations across campus to deliver materials.
  • Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students.

Desired Qualifications*
  • A broad knowledge of costume history and garment type is desirable.
  • Experience entering wardrobe information into a relational database is desirable
  • Experience with Macintosh systems and FileMaker Pro is desirable.
  • Some experience with wigs & make-up is desirable.

Modes of Work
This position is on-site in Ann Arbor, MI. It is not eligible for a remote or hybrid mode of work. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281618
Working Title
Wardrobe Manager
Job Title
THEATRE ARTISAN/TECHNICIAN
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
SMTD University Productions
Posting Begin/End Date
8/14/2026 - 8/28/2026
Salary
$52,000.00 - $58,240.00
Career Interest
The Arts
University Staff United (USU)
University of Michigan logo

About University of Michigan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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