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Costume Design Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Costume Shop Manager

Charleston, SC · On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

Plan, oversee, and implement the construction of costume design work for a large Theatre and Dance ... Supervise, train, and assist paid student workers and laboratory students in the costume shop on ...

Costume Lead

Goshen, NY · On-site

$22/hr

Leap into live show emergencies as a heroic Costumer when destiny calls. * Assist performers before ... Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero ...

Stitcher

New York, NY · On-site

$25/hr

A BFA/BA degree in the Theatre/ Entertainment fields or equivalent professional experience * 1-3 years of experience in the entertainment industry (costume design, assistant costume designer, etc)

... 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 ...

Leap into live show emergencies as a heroic Costumer when destiny calls. * Assist performers before ... Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero ...

Leap into live show emergencies as a heroic Costumer when destiny calls. * Assist performers before ... Costume design * Live entertainment realms ...shall greatly strengthen your application. The Hero ...

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 are some 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Costume Design Assistant, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

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What job categories do people searching Costume Design Assistant jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costume Design Assistant jobs are:
Costume Shop Manager

Costume Shop Manager

College of Charleston

Charleston, SC • On-site

$39K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Posting Details
POSTING INFORMATION
Internal Title
Costume Shop Manager
Position Type
Classified
Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration
Non-Faculty
Pay Band
GEN07
Level
Department
Theatre & Dance
Job Purpose
To support the Department of Theatre and Dance and its production season. Plan, oversee, and implement the construction of costume design work for a large Theatre and Dance Department with a significant season of 8(+/-) main productions per year. Serve as a team leader in executing the designs of faculty, student, and guest costume and makeup designers for all productions, including dance concerts. Supervise, train, and assist paid student workers and laboratory students in the costume shop on sewing, pattern-making, draping, wig styling, makeup techniques, crafts, dyeing, and wardrobe skills to execute designs. In consultation with the Artistic Director and Department Chair, manages production schedules and budgets for the costume area. Manages, maintains, and inventories wardrobe storage. Supervises and maintains a costume shop and two dressing rooms.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Theatre with a focus on costumes and/or a professional theatre experience. Minimum 3 years relevant experience required, and significant supervisor experience is preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of the performing arts and specific knowledge of costume construction with advanced sewing skills required. Ability to determine fiscal needs, evaluate projects, and propose solutions for costume aspects of the department's production program. Ability to work effectively with individuals at varying levels of costume experience and to direct and instruct student employees' work. Must know costume crafts, makeup, wardrobe, patterning, and period construction techniques. Must be familiar with the protocol observed in costume shops in professional theaters. Must have skill in maintaining schedules and budgets for costume construction. Ability to use computer software applications and email programs including skills in use of spreadsheets and/or other budgeting accountability and to facilitate communication across production teams. Supervisory experience, especially supervision of student workers is desired. Must have exceptional organizational skills, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster a positive and collaborative work environment that supports faculty, students, and the directors of the productions.
Additional Comments Regarding Position
Some evening and weekend work is required. Must be physically able to lift/carry boxes &/or equipment used in a standard costume shop.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
*Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.
Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.
All applications must be submitted online https://jobs.cofc.edu.
Salary
*$39,300 - $47,000
Posting Date
06/12/2026
Closing Date
07/02/2026
Benefits
  • Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
  • Retirement
  • Long Term Disability
  • Paid Holidays
  • Free CARTA Bus Service
  • Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Full Benefits Package - Click Here

Open Until Filled
No
Posting Number
2026087
EEO Statement
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.cofc.edu/postings/18097