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Costume Design 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 ... Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or costume design. * Excellent hand and ...

University of Arizona

Stitcher, Costume Shop

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.15 - $22.69/hr

... through costume design and craftsmanship? Join the School of Theatre, Film & Television as a ... Ensure costumes are cleaned, repaired, and stored properly between productions. * Assist in ...

Emerson College

Supervisor, Costume Shop

Boston, MA · On-site

$58K - $72K/yr

Recognize, prevent, and suggest solutions for problems for production. * Assist the Production ... Bachelor's Degree in Costume Design, Technical Theater, or a related field preferred * Training in ...

SeaWorld

Costume Specialist, Senior

Busch, AR · On-site

... costume design abilities preferred Ability to follow specific instructions, and teach others to assist based on needs of item Experience with or be willing to learn airbrush techniques and designs ...

Owens Community College

Applicant Pool for Adjunct Faculty, Lab Assistant, Theater Work in the costume shop for the Owens ... Must have knowledge of costume design and construction methods as well as stage makeup application ...

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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.
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Costume Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costume Design Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Assistant Costume Shop Manager

AMDA

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$33 - $34/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description
AMDA College of the Performing Arts, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers various pathways for students to receive unparalleled performing arts education taught by world-class industry professionals, including Professional Conservatory Certificates as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Occupational Studies, Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts).
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 all tasks related to AMDA productions.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Act as liaison to staff, student workers, and student cast members regarding necessary operational paperwork and information.
  • Manage administrative tasks as needed. Including but not limited to receipt tracking, fitting notes, all paperwork and scheduling associated with productions.
  • Track orders, shipments, and returns.
  • Supervise Mainstage Productions as assigned.
  • Help organize and maintain all Costume Shop spaces.
  • Costume Coordinate AMDA productions as assigned.
  • Assist in tasks associated with AMDA mainstage productions. Including but not limited to fittings, shopping, pulling, alterations, and garment construction.
  • Attend meetings, tech rehearsals, and any production event when required to represent the costume department.

  • Schedule shifts for staff and student workers.
  • Instruct staff on all notes and work lists. Including garment construction, alterations, and daily Costume Shop tasks.
  • Supervise the Costume Shop when Costume Shop Manager is unavailable.
  • Supervise and instruct staff and student workers when coordinating or supervising AMDA production.
  • Assist Costume Shop Manager with hiring and training staff and student workers.
  • Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelors Degree in a related field preferred.
  • 1-3 years of prior experience in all aspects of Costume Shop administrative tasks including emails, paperwork creation and implementation, and maintaining organizational systems.
  • 1-3 years of experience of Costume Design or Coordination.
  • 1-3 years of prior experience in all aspects of theatre costume construction including but not limited to pattern making, hand sewing, cutting, stitching, and alterations.
  • Knowledge of home and industrial sewing machines and sergers.
  • Knowledge of theatrical garment construction and historical sewing.
  • Knowledge, ability, and experience in costume coordination or costume design.
  • Excellent hand and machine sewing skills.
  • Excellent organization and communication skills.
  • Ability to remain professional while coordinating and supervising staff and students.
  • Ability to supervise and lead a team of workers.
  • Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Position Information:
  • This position is subject to a background check and reference check upon a conditional offer of employment.
  • Pay range: $33.00/hr to $34.00/hr
  • Full-time, non-exempt position.
  • Fully in-person position based on AMDA's Hollywood campus in Los Angeles, California.
  • The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work is required for crewing and supervising productions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
AMDA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

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