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Costume Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City Theatre Company

COSTUME MANAGER

Pittsburgh, PA

$22/hr

Hiring, training, and supervision of part-time costume shop assistants and wardrobe crew * Hiring and management of specialized artisans when projects require outside expertise * Building ...

United Parks & Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... May assist with character training and rehearsals. * Openly accepts performance feedback and ...

SeaWorld

Costume Character

Busch, AR

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as ... May assist with character training and rehearsals. * Openly accepts performance feedback and ...

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Costume Assistant information

What are Costume Assistants?

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 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.

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.
More about Costume Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Costume Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Costume Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs? The most popular types of Costume jobs are:
What states have the most Costume Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Costume Assistant jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costume Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Assistant jobs are:
Costume Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Assistant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 92% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Costume Studio Technician

Costume Studio Technician

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$21.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

284th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Costume Studio Technician Position Type Temporary Job Number SA73024 Full or Part Time part-time 20-29 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $21.50 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the Costume Studio Manager, Assistant Costume Studio Manager, and the Lead Costume Technician, the Costume Technician will provide technical support for production-related tasks in the College of Performing Arts on an as-needed basis. Skillsets for this role may include stitching, cutting/draping, crafting, wardrobe crew, wardrobe supervision, wig maintenance, theatrical makeup supervision, and/or costume liaison (show-specific costume organization and paperwork).
Responsibilities
General Responsibilities
  • Knowledge and experience in working with domestic sewing machines and hand stitching
  • Manage time to ensure that assigned work is completed accurately and on schedule
  • Work with students, exhibiting good work habits and professional demeanor
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
  • Communicate with Costume Studio Manager about problems, and possible solutions, concerning equipment and/or workflow as needed
  • Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction
  • Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures

If hired, specific responsibilities may include some or all of the below depending on the needs of the production:
Stitcher/Crafter
  • Ability to alter costumes according to fitting notes
  • Ability to repair or refurbish costumes to make stage ready
  • Ability to support costume crafting, including hand painting, distressing, trimming, and millinery
  • Ability to construct costumes from commercial patterns
  • Cut fabric based on patterns supplied by Cutter/Draper
  • Assist the Cutter/Draper in the creation of patterns for facings and linings based on patterns supplied by the Cutter/Draper
  • Ability to dye fabric (natural and synthetic) including ability to color match
  • Ability to airbrush, distress, and work with various foams and plastics to create avant garde garments as needed
Cutter/Draper
  • Communicate with designer regarding specific build and alteration needs
  • Ability to create patterns
  • Ability to estimate yardage from created patterns
Costume Liaison
  • Ensure clear communication between the designer, production team, and Costume Studio
  • Support designer in pulling costumes from costume stock
  • Organize costumes prior to fittings- track and receive purchases and label any rental items
  • With supervision, support designers during costume fittings by updating dressing lists, labeling costumes and taking complete, concise alteration notes
  • Clean out fitting room post-fittings to ensure that supplies are restored and all costumes are appropriately placed under alterations, character names, or extras racks
  • Support designer with paperwork by completing dressing lists with updated descriptions and laundry codes
  • Communicate with Costume Studio regarding any missed fittings or necessary secondary fittings- with specifics on items that need to be pulled, purchased, or adjusted
  • Work with Wardrobe Supervisor to prepare costumes and show-related paperwork for load-out
  • Ability to support fitting by pinning, marking hems, advising on alterations- or have the judgment to call in advanced support as needed
  • Quality control of completed alteration notes
Wardrobe
  • Create a quick-change plan and appropriate show paperwork for costumes, hair and makeup
  • Load, unload and move costumes from the Costume Studio to various venues and back
  • Assist actors with costume changes as assigned
  • Support costume maintenance for the production, including steaming, pressing, checking for and executing repairs
  • Create a plan for Laundry and Wardrobe maintenance for the specifics of the production, and execute specific laundry needs as assigned
  • Ability to use creative thinking, sound judgment, and remain calm in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations
  • Train and supervise wardrobe crew in above duties
Hair/Makeup
  • Ability to apply theatrical stage makeup
  • Ability to execute hairstyles as designed
  • Ability to apply and maintain wigs
  • Assist actors with hair/makeup changes as assigned
  • Sanitize makeup brushes and supplies
  • Train and supervise hair/makeup crew in above duties

Required Qualifications
  • Good organization, communication, and time-management skills
  • Work well with students
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
  • Hand and domestic sewing machine skills
  • Ability to read a measurement chart and size costumes appropriately
  • Wear closed-toed shoes in all costume venues at all times
  • Must wear "stage blacks" during all dress rehearsals and performances
Desired Qualifications
  • Access to a computer
  • Working knowledge of Google Drive
  • Costume crafting skills
  • Theatrical makeup skills
  • Wig styling and application
  • Ability to use industrial and leather sewing machines, an overlock machine, hemming machine, dye vat
  • Cutting and draping skills
Special Instructions to Applicants
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate
Minimum Number of References 0 Maximum Number of References 3

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