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Costume Design Assistant Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Dance Studio

Be Seen First

Dance Studio Administrator

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

... accuracy. * Assist with registration, tuition management, studio communications, and event ... Costume design experience * Sewing and garment alteration skills * Experience organizing costume ...

Dance Studio

Be Seen First

Dance Studio Administrator

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $25.75/hr

... accuracy. * Assist with registration, tuition management, studio communications, and event ... Costume design experience * Sewing and garment alteration skills * Experience organizing costume ...

The Guthrie Theater

Lead Sound Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$31.63/hr

Work with the Wardrobe, Wigs, and Costume departments on placement of wireless microphones based on ... * Assist the Head Sound Engineer as assigned for all Guthrie sound department work. * Provide ...

Guthrie Theater

Lead Sound Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$31.63/hr

Work with the Wardrobe, Wigs, and Costume departments on placement of wireless microphones based on ... * Assist the Head Sound Engineer as assigned for all Guthrie sound department work. * Provide ...

All JobsCostume Design JobsCostume Design Assistant JobsCostume Design Assistant Jobs in Minnesota

Costume Design Assistant information

What does a costume design assistant do?

A Costume Design Assistant supports the costume designer in creating, organizing, and managing costumes for film, television, theater, or other productions. Their responsibilities often include sourcing materials, helping with fittings, maintaining costume continuity, and ensuring garments are ready for use on set or stage. They may also handle administrative tasks like budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating with other departments. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for fashion and design. Working closely with the costume designer and other team members, a Costume Design Assistant plays a vital role in bringing the visual aspect of characters to life.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a costume design assistant?

To thrive as a Costume Design Assistant, you need a solid understanding of garment construction, fabric types, and basic sewing techniques, often supported by a degree or coursework in fashion, theater, or costume design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, pattern-making systems, and inventory management tools is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with designers, actors, and production teams. These skills ensure costumes are produced efficiently, accurately, and creatively, contributing to the overall success of a production.

What are common challenges faced by costume design assistants during a production, and how can they be managed?

Costume Design Assistants often face the challenge of managing last-minute changes, such as alterations to costumes or shifts in the production schedule. Balancing multiple tasks—like sourcing materials, maintaining costume continuity, and supporting fittings—requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. Clear communication with the costume designer, performers, and other departments is crucial for keeping workflows smooth and ensuring the creative vision is realized. Building strong relationships with suppliers and having a well-organized system for tracking costumes can also help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Costume Design Assistant vs Costume Designer?

AspectCostume Design AssistantCostume Designer
CredentialsRelevant fashion or costume design education, experience assistingAdvanced education in costume design, portfolio, industry experience
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume creation, fabric sourcing, and organizationLead design process, conceptualize costumes, collaborate with directors
Industry UsageSupporting role in film, theater, TV productionsPrimary role responsible for overall costume design

The Costume Design Assistant supports the Costume Designer by handling tasks like sourcing fabrics and organizing costumes. The Costume Designer is responsible for creating the overall costume concept and leading the design process. Both roles require relevant education and experience, but the Assistant works under supervision, while the Designer leads the creative vision.

Does costume design assistant pay well?

The salary for a costume design assistant varies depending on the location, experience, and industry. Typically, they earn an entry-level wage, with salaries increasing with experience and working on larger productions or for well-known companies. The average annual pay ranges from around $25,000 to $50,000, with some positions offering additional benefits or opportunities for advancement.

How to become a costume design assistant?

To become a costume design assistant, individuals typically need a background in fashion design, costume design, or a related field, often gained through a degree or coursework. Relevant skills include sewing, pattern making, and knowledge of fabrics, along with experience working in costume or wardrobe departments, often gained through internships or entry-level positions. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under deadlines are also important in this role.

How to get into costume design with no experience?

To start as a costume design assistant with no experience, gain basic sewing and costume construction skills through online courses or workshops. Volunteer or seek internships on student or community theater productions to build a portfolio and gain industry exposure, which can lead to entry-level opportunities in costume departments.

What are popular job titles related to Costume Design Assistant jobs in Minnesota?

For Costume Design Assistant jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Costume Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Costume Design Assistant job openings:

Costume Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Design Assistant job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Professor of Theater (Design)

Carleton University

Northfield, MN • On-site

$87K - $91K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

The Department of Theater and Dance at Carleton College invites applicants for a tenure track position in theatrical design to begin in the fall of 2027. An MFA or commensurate professional experience is required.
The search committee seeks a dynamic professional artist who is committed to developing an inclusive pedagogy, rooted in a commitment to diversity and student transformation within a liberal arts context. This faculty member will develop and lead the theatrical design focus of the major and teach courses in multiple design/production areas with a primary focus in either scenic or costume design. Ideal candidates will have experience designing productions for both theater and dance. Carleton operates on a 10-week trimester calendar, with tenure track positions teaching the equivalent of five courses during the year. As part of the 5-course teaching load, the candidate will also design on the production season and provide mentorship for student designers. The appointment will begin on September 1, 2027.
We are particularly interested in candidates committed to teaching a diverse student body. Carleton is committed to developing its faculty to better reflect the diversity of our student body and American society. Women and members of underrepresented population groups at Carleton are strongly encouraged to apply.
The following materials are required: letter of application; curriculum vitae; creative portfolio (link to online portfolio is sufficient); a statement about teaching students from diverse backgrounds in an undergraduate, residential liberal arts environment. After passing through an initial screening process, applicants may receive a request for the contact information for three references, including at least one who is able to specifically address teaching experience. Review of applications will begin on September 1st, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. All application materials can be submitted here.
Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.
The expected starting salary range is $87,480 - $91,460. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility. We offer a robust suite of benefits including:
  • A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
  • Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a student body of approximately 2,000. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, it is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources, including a thriving local theatre community.
For further information about the department consult the Department of Theater and Dance website: https://www.carleton.edu/theater-dance/

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