Costume Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.
This is a full time, seasonal position, working the production year (38 or 39 weeks) from mid-August to the end of April (or beginning of May) annually. Salary listed is the full time- 12 month salary. The seasonal salary range is $39,000 - $43,680 ($1,000 - $1,120 per week / $25 - $28 per hour). Under FLSA, this position is entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
It is the mission of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance to create an environment of educational and artistic excellence by nurturing creativity, academic integrity, and professionalism in its faculty and students. As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance.

• We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields.
• We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan.
• We serve the community, the region, and the State of Michigan through public performances, cultural resources, arts education, and outreach programs.

The School's mission is predicated on the belief that the study and practice of the performing arts depend upon a diverse community of learning in which a spirit of social responsibility and principled entrepreneurship is fostered.
Responsibilities*
University Productions is the producing unit of the school. It presents nine fully mounted main stage shows each season, serving the Departments of Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre & Drama, and Voice & Opera in three different venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors; designed by faculty, students, and guests; and crewed by performance and Design & Production majors. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; experienced students may design costumes, sets, or lighting for these productions. University Productions also manages the five main performance halls on behalf of the University.
Basic Responsibility:

1. Manage the wardrobe operations of nine theatrical productions and one Musical-Theatre showcase produced by University Productions
2. Provide associated costume-construction services when assigned.

Tasks to be Performed as Wardrobe Manager:

• Attend production meetings, fittings, dress rehearsals, quick-change rehearsals, and run-throughs in order to organize wardrobe and to complete its associated paperwork. Train and oversee student wardrobe crews in backstage procedures, quick-changes, load-in, strike, costume maintenance, and backstage hygiene. Coordinate backstage schedule and wardrobe paperwork with shop manager, costume designer, stage management and wig/makeup personnel. Communicate wardrobe notes with the designer and shop manager. Give feedback on job performance of student wardrobe crews.
• Provide instructions and training to wardrobe crew for the nightly care of each garment. Make sure that each performer has all their garments labeled and at hand. Produce wardrobe paperwork for the student crew and performers using proprietary inventory database (Wardrobe Wizard).
• Oversee the transport of costumes during load-in and strike from the shop to theater for the nine main stage productions. Manage the laundry, clean up, and dry cleaning of costumes after strike.
• Be available for urgent repairs during scheduled performances

Secondary Costume Tasks to be Performed:

• When assigned by the costume shop manager due to pressing production deadlines, fabricate costumes, costume elements, or costume crafts according to the designs of the costume designer within the parameters of the production budget.
• Sew or alter assigned costumes that are built, purchased, rented or pulled from stock.
• Coordinate and partner with other shop staff to solve production problems and to find solutions to working with unusual materials. Help ensure the shop goal of having all assigned costumes ready for use at each first-dress rehearsal.

General Duties to be Performed:

• Assure safe work practices and compliance with MIOSHA regulations, especially regarding the proper use of solvents and related equipment.
• Assist student designers on the process of realizing their designs (faculty will advise on aesthetics).
• Help with the specification and recommendation of new equipment or the modification of existing equipment to meet operational or special production needs.
• Help with occasional special projects and facility improvements.

Required Qualifications*

• A bachelor's degree in costuming, or the equivalent combination of education and experience with a recognized professional company, is necessary.
• Experience in wardrobe operations, and Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel (can maintain complex spreadsheets), is necessary.
• This position is required to work a flexible 40 hour per week schedule, including nights and weekends during production runs. There will be periods of paid overtime when productions overlap.
• The ability to sew and to repair costumes is necessary. The ability to operate an industrial steam iron is necessary.
• This position routinely moves materials, such as heavy rolling wardrobe racks, weighing up to 50 pounds for various needs.
• This position routinely climbs stairs to perform work duties.
• This position involves traveling to various locations across campus to deliver materials.
• Experience working effectively with different communities and cultures; experience working directly with faculty, staff and students.

Desired Qualifications*

• A broad knowledge of costume history and garment type is desirable.
• Experience entering wardrobe information into a relational database is desirable
• Experience with Macintosh systems and FileMaker Pro is desirable.
• Some experience with wigs & make-up is desirable.

Modes of Work
This position is on-site in Ann Arbor, MI. It is not eligible for a remote or hybrid mode of work. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Employer sponsorship or support for work authorization, including but not limited to H-1B, O-1, J-1, CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT, is not available for this position.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281618
Working Title
Wardrobe Manager
Job Title
THEATRE ARTISAN/TECHNICIAN
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
School Music
Department
SMTD University Productions
Posting Begin/End Date
8/14/2026 - 8/28/2026
Salary
$52,000.00 - $58,240.00
Career Interest
The Arts
University Staff United (USU)