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Costume Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Costume Shopper

Ashland, OR

$25.41/hr

Costume | Reports to: Associate Costume Director Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week ... Financial Support: Assist with credit card reconciliation by researching transactions and tracking ...

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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 Oregon?

The most popular types of Costume jobs in Oregon are:

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Costume Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Costume Assistant job openings:

Costume Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Costume Shopper

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Ashland, OR

$25.41/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Now Hiring: Costume Shopper
Department: Costume | Reports to: Associate Costume Director
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week), Union - IATSE Local 154
Expected Start Date: December 29, 2026
Expected End Date: June 12, 2027
Pay Rate: $25.41 hourly
Location: Ashland, OR (On-site)

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking an organized, resourceful, and collaborative Costume Shopper to support our Costume Department during the 2027 costume build season. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys sourcing materials, managing details, and keeping multiple projects moving in a creative, fast-paced environment.

The Role You’ll Play

As Costume Shopper, you’ll support Costume Project Managers and the Associate Costume Director by coordinating in-person and online purchases, returns, deliveries, inventory, and purchasing documentation. You’ll help ensure costume teams have the materials and supplies they need while maintaining accurate records and supporting smooth day-to-day shop operations.

What You’ll Do

Purchasing & Returns: Complete online and in-person purchases and returns for costume projects and general shop needs.

Receiving & Documentation: Receive packages, verify products and quantities, organize receipts, and maintain accurate purchasing records.

Local Transportation: Drive to vendors, the shoe cobbler, and OSF’s Ashland and Talent campuses to purchase, return, pick up, and deliver costume items.

Financial Support: Assist with credit card reconciliation by researching transactions and tracking missing receipts.

Inventory & Vendor Support: Update inventory and vendor information, receive general shop supplies, and create stock tags.

Shop Operations: Help maintain organized, clean, and sanitized Costume Department workspaces and equipment.

You’ll Thrive Here If You…

Have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 1 year of experience supporting costumes in community, educational, or professional theatre.
Are organized and able to prioritize tasks independently and collaboratively.
Are comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint, and cloud-based systems.
Can adapt quickly as priorities and production needs change.
Have a valid driver’s license and are comfortable driving OSF cars or vans.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of the theatrical costume build process.
Experience as a Design Assistant.
Understanding of costume terminology that respectfully addresses identities, body proportions, hair textures, and skin tones.

Physical & Schedule Requirements

Ability to lift and move costume items weighing up to 30 pounds using carts, racks, and baskets; climb ladders, stairs, and ramps; and sit or stand for extended periods. The standard workweek is Tuesday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Overtime and time off require approval.

Organizational Background

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Statement of Purpose

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.

Company Values

  • We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.

  • We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.

  • We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.

  • We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.

  • We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.