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Costume Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33 - $34/hr

The Assistant Costume Shop Manager will assist the Costume Shop Manager in maintaining all costume shop spaces, organizing, and tracking all paperwork associated with the costume shop, and supporting ...

Berklee

Costume Shop Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$16.45/hr

The Costume Shop Assistant will work to support the full-time costume shop staff in all aspects of costuming for select BCB theater, dance, and opera productions. The Costume Shop is responsible for ...

Filoli Center

Costume Interactors

Woodside, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Filoli's Costume Interactors Location: Woodside, CA (Our historic 654-acre estate) Pay Rate: $26.00 ... Welcome guests into our themed gift shops and assist with product sales using a point-of-sale (POS ...

National Opera Center

Freelance Costume Tech

Houston, TX · On-site

$57.31/hr

Other Duties Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed and assigned. Qualifications At least 3 years of professional experience in ...

National Opera Center

$57.31/hr

Other Duties Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed and assigned. Qualifications At least 3 years of professional experience in ...

AMDA

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$33 - $34/hr

The Assistant Costume Shop Manager will assist the Costume Shop Manager in maintaining all costume shop spaces, organizing, and tracking all paperwork associated with the costume shop, and supporting ...

Berklee College of Music

Costume Shop Intern

Boston, MA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

Interns assist with day-to-day needs of the costume shop, learning through hands-on experience (sewing, crafting, and more) in a fast-paced environment- Musicals, Concert Dance, Drama/Comedy, and ...

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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.
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Costume Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

Villanova University

Villanova, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:
20260365S
Position Title:
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
Position Type:
Staff
Location:
Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type:
Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule:
part-time/10-months
Avg Hours Week
20
Department:
146-Theatre
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of Villanova Theatre Department's (VTD) Costume Shop Manager, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager assists with the technical theatre elements related to costumes, hair/makeup, wigs, and all elements of costume design for VTD productions. The primary responsibility of the Assistant Costume Shop Manager is to supervise the day-to-day operations of the costume shop. Responsibilities include leading in the construction and fitting of costumes according to the Costume Design, assisting in the pulling and renting of costume pieces, and assisting in the cleaning, organizing, and storing of all costume pieces. This individual will provide training and guidance to student workers and foster and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. Additionally, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager with serve as costume coordinator for all Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) performative events, supervising the pulling of costumes, costume fittings and alterations, load-in, and strike of these productions. The Assistant Costume shop Manager is also responsible for the organization of Villanova Theatre's costume stock and any rentals of costume pieces.
The ideal individual will have a strong drive to provide high-quality work, the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of the team which includes student populations.
Flexible work schedule required (i.e. occasional evening and weekend work)
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the Costume Build Process for Villanova Theatre Productions:
  • Create patterns for all costumes pieces that will be built in the shop.
  • Utilize student work force as first hands and stitchers.
  • Assist Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer in scheduling and managing fittings including setting up fitting room and taking/distributing fitting notes.
  • Train and schedule work study and graduate student first hands and stitchers.
  • Communicate with student design assistants regarding scheduling of fittings, fabric and shopping orders, yardages and notions needed per project and professional practices.

Lead Technical Coordinator/Costume Shop Supervisor for Student co-curricular groups:
  • Supervise any fittings, alterations, or builds for Villanova Student Theatre (VST) and Villanova Student Musical Theatre (VSMT) productions.
  • Assist costume shop manager in purchasing, tracking budgets, gathering receipts, and handling returns of all purchased costume elements for these groups.
  • Advise student costume designers on design elements, schedules, and budgets for VST and VSMT productions.
  • Arrange trips to Villanova Theatre's costume stock with student designers.
  • Attend student group production meetings, design runs, and technical rehearsals as required

Organization and Oversight of Villanova Theatre Costume Stock:
  • Assist costume shop manager with organization of costume stock.
  • Serve as primary point person for outside rentals from costume stock
  • Serve as primary point person for costume donations.

Attend Villanova Theatre Events when Requested:
  • Events could include show-specific events such as design runs, technical rehearsals, or production meetings.
  • They could also include full department events such as meet and greets, orientations, or other full-staff events.
  • Event attendance will be discussed with the Costume Shop Manager and Production Manager.

Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned:
  • Duties could include fulfilling rehearsal requests (rehearsal clothing, shoes, etc.), assisting with wig or makeup items, or assisting with the wardrobe team

Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • Associates Degree. Preferably in theatre design or technology or fashion.

Work Experience
  • 2-3 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Ability to work with individuals of all experience levels.
  • Experience teaching and mentoring students.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to help maintain an inventory of costume shop equipment

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Proficiency in costume construction and alteration techniques
  • Proficiency in draping and pattern making
  • Knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, fabric dying
  • Basic knowledge of purchasing and accounting

Equipment Knowledge
Operative Knowledge of:
  • All types of home and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock machines
  • Industrial irons

Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
  • BA or BS in Theatre or fashion with an emphasis in costume construction

Work Experience
  • 3-5 years of experience in costume construction, shop management, or working as a shop technician.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)
  • Teaching experience a plus

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
  • Costume design experience a plus
  • Wardrobe experience a plus
  • Experience with costume fittings and interacting with actors a plus

Equipment Knowledge
  • Experience with 3D Printers a plus
  • Experience with wigs or hair/makeup a plus

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Equipment used:
  • Sewing machines (homemaker and industrial)
  • Overlock machines
  • Steam irons
  • Steamers
  • Fabric scissors

Daytime work hours (primary), nights and weekends as assigned.
Must be able: to lift and physically move up to 30 lbs. bags of clothing, stand for 5-7 hours a day, withstand finger pricks from pinning clothing to be sewn, sit and sew for 5-7 hours a day if needed.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date:
07/20/2026
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within hourly grade 12 and the range is $22.36-28.22/hr. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:
12
Job Classification:
non-exempt

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About Villanova University

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Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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