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Costume Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Maintain the mascot's character and personality at all times while in costume. * Assist with community appearances including school visits, sponsor events, charity functions, parades, and festivals.

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Costume Character Performer Must attend an in-person audition on: 4 pm Thursday, August 27 or 4 pm ... May assist with character training and rehearsals. * Openly accepts performance feedback and ...

Working in Costumes/Props means you will maintain all show and atmosphere costumes and assist performers with dressing and costume problems. You'll also... * Prepare costumes for shows and transport ...

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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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What are the most commonly searched types of Costume jobs?

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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.

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper to build, alter, and prepare costumes for productions, including sewing, fabric prep, and cutting.

  • Accurately stitch alterations and new costume builds according to specifications and prepare costumes for fittings based on performer measurements.

  • Assist in prepping fabrics, unpacking costumes, measuring, rehanging, steaming, and organizing costume stock and fabric restock as needed.


Job description

Job Highlights

To work with the Houston Grand Opera Costume Shop Department with all aspects that are involved in the realization and production of costumes with an emphasis on stitching.

Join Us!

We are looking for talented, passionate, and dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to ourcommunity and our mission. If you are excited about this position but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply!You may bejustthe right candidate for this position or another role at HGO.

About the Houston Grand Opera

The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera. We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, three Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors. 

Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand. We believeevery team member enriches our organization by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper in all aspects of building and altering of costumes for productions which include but are not limited to: sewing, prepping fabrics for new builds, and cutting.

  • Accurately stitch alterations and new builds in a wide variety of fabrics according to specifications.

  • Prepare costumes for fittings by pre-altering costumes according to performer’s measurements.

  • Assist in the prepping of fabrics for new builds: washing and ironing, or pre-steaming.

  • Assist from time to time to prepare shows by unpacking costume, measuring/ rehanging/ and steaming.

  • Assist from time to time in the Houston Grand Opera Warehouse in the restocking/packing / organizing of costume stock, rental shows, and fabric restock organization.

  • Assist with occasional crafts, and millinery work.

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 clothing sewing construction, and alterations in a costume shop or fashion related industry.

  • Excellent sewing skills: ability to accurately sew in a wide variety of fabrics.

  • Proficient in operating industrial sewing machines as well as hand sewing in a fast-paced environment.

  • Experience in production stitching, garment construction techniques, and finishing.

  • Basic knowledge of cutting, patterning, and tailoring (dying and craftwork a plus).

  • Ability to lift 30 lbs. to waist level.

  • Ability to hang costumes on 6’6” clothes racks.

  • A degree in Costume Technology/Production or related field a plus.

  • At times schedule may fluctuate depending on fittings and rehearsal schedule and overtime may be required.

Special Job Characteristics

  • Ability to organize, prioritize and maintain several projects at once and sustain productivity under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

  • Ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, management, vendors, and artists.

  • Ability to meet deadlines.

  • Attention to detail.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those we consider important for an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job: extended periods of sitting and performing tasks such as typing and using a computer mouse, with strong visual and auditory focus, occasional lifting (not exceeding 30 pounds), reaching for items, effective communication skills, and fine motor abilities, being mobile within the office for activities like attending performances, events, and meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Opportunity

Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.