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Costume Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

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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 cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Costume Assistant jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Costume Assistant job openings:

Costume Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Costume Production Assistant

Washington National Opera

Washington, DC • On-site

$25 - $27.50/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

WNO is hiring a temporary Costume Production Assistant to coordinate logistics and activities related to the preparation of costumes for WNO productions as assigned. You will ensure that all production activities meet the expectations of time, budget, and artistic excellence. This contract runs from October 5 - November 15, 2026, with the potential to extend through the season.
Responsibilities:
  • Thoroughly review all relevant costume information for each production.
  • Pull undergarments, hosiery, and footwear as appropriate for each costume.
  • Procure additional materials and clothing items as requested.
  • Retain and provide receipts for any purchases.
  • Compile swatch sheets for each new costume to be built.
  • Schedule fittings as requested for chorus, supers, dancers, and youth. Maintain the shared fitting calendar.
  • Assist the Costume Design Manager and the Rehearsal Department with scheduling principal fittings.
  • Prepare the fitting room for each fitting, ensuring that all required costumes and supplies are available.
  • Attend costume fittings and ensure that they are appropriately documented with photographs, notes, and costume labeling.
  • Compile and communicate notes from costume fittings for Costume Crafts.
  • Compile footwear repair notes and coordinate repairs with outside vendors.
  • Accurately maintain the costume plot, dressing lists, and photo charts.
  • Collaborate with Stage Management to provide requested rehearsal costumes.
  • Monitor daily rehearsal reports and attend to costume requests as assigned.
  • Attend all dress rehearsals and communicate costume notes for compilation.
  • As requested, be present at the theater for performances to address any artist's specific needs or to support cast changes.
  • Photograph costumes for archival purposes.
  • Assist with costumes strikes, return of rented costumes, and archiving as requested.
  • Compile comprehensive archival records of each production according to WNO specifications.
  • Ensure that all physical and electronic costume records are accurate and properly stored.
  • Responds to the needs and requests of management and staff in a professional and expedient manner.
  • Adheres to all employer policies and procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Post-secondary education in or comparable knowledge of theatrical production.
  • Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
  • Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Working knowledge of costumes and clothing fundamentals.
  • Basic knowledge of costume history.
  • Proficient computer skills, with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Filemaker Pro and other applications as necessary.
  • Basic budgeting, accounting, and record keeping skills.
  • Must be able to lift 30 pounds.
  • Must be able to climb and work safely from ladders.
  • Frequently required to bend, stoop, kneel or reach during fittings.
  • Must be able to move efficiently throughout all Costume work areas and performance spaces.

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