Costume Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Department: Production

Position Title: Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor

Reports to: Director of Production

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $58,000 - $63,000 for a 40-week season, plus 2 weeks of paid vacation

Location: In-person, 3515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016

The Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor supports the Wardrobe Supervisor, company dancers, and studio company dancers by providing comprehensive wardrobe and costume assistance. This role also supports The Washington School of Ballet's Professional Training Division (PTD) and Northwest (NW) campus. The ideal candidate is highly organized, skilled in garment construction, and thrives in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.

Responsibilities

Routine Responsibilities

• Attend scheduled meetings, rehearsals, and planning sessions with choreographers, designers, and production staff for TWB/TWSB.
• Organize and maintain systems for costume stock, supplies, and inventory.
• Coordinate and assign tasks for Wardrobe Assistants, Interns, and Volunteers in collaboration with the Wardrobe Supervisor.
• Track and attend TWB costume fittings and company schedules as directed by Company Management and Rehearsal Directors.
• Schedule TWSB/PTD costume fittings in partnership with the School Director and Student Production Manager.
• Coordinate additional performance & non-performance costume requests from Community Engagement, Development, Marketing, and TWSB (Trainee and NW; SE as needed).
• Facilitate costume rentals for TWB dancers and staff, as well as TWSB Trainee/NW. Also, SE students and staff when costumes are available.

Dancer-Related Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of dancer measurements, including shoes, special orders, and custom measurements for costumes, wigs, hats, and related items.
• Assist with fittings and alterations for repertory costumes.
• Label, organize, and maintain costumes for all ballets.
• Dye and color shoes as needed for productions.
• Maintain inventory and distribution of company-provided accessories and makeup.
• Maintain dynamic Google forms and responses for TWB/TWSB specific to measurements, shoe information and sizing, rehearsal costume elements and walk-on requirements.

Performance-Related Responsibilities

• Assist with the packing, preparation, and organization of costumes for rehearsals, performances, demonstrations, and photo shoots across studios and performance venues.
• Support the maintenance, restoration, and return of all costume inventory.
• Assist with coordinating costume rentals, including delivery, fittings, alterations, and care instructions.
• Help create and maintain costume production records and costume plots for repertory and restaged ballets.
• Support the execution of costume load-in, setup, run of show, and load-out for rehearsals, performances, and photo shoots.
• Assign dressing rooms for cast and support personnel.
• Coordinate dressing room assignments and costume space usage for performances involving both TWSB campuses, ensuring effective collaboration and support across productions for NW students.
• Provide costume support for TWSB Trainee and NW showcases, as well as end-of-year performances.
• Coordinate costume requests with SE staff for end-of-year performance costume needs from the general TWSB inventory.
• Actively participate in creating a work culture that embodies the core values of TWB; Creativity, Commitment, Communication, Collaboration, Compassion, and Community.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Strong machine and hand sewing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites, with the ability to effectively use these tools for communication, record keeping, scheduling, and managing internal and external organizational resources.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends during production periods.

Professional & Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Resourceful, adaptable, and able to take initiative while following direction.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams.
• Commitment to supporting the mission of The Washington Ballet and The Washington School of Ballet.

Preferred Knowledge & Experience

• Experience with dance costume construction.
• Familiarity with run-of-show operations.
• General knowledge of dance and the performing arts environment.

Physical Demands:

This role requires regular physical activity. The employee must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds, including costumes and related materials. Responsibilities may include handling, packing, and moving storage containers, racks, and crates.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Washington Ballet is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment in all aspects of its work, from artistic performances and ballet education to community engagement and workplace culture. We prioritize presenting artists and perspectives that reflect the dynamism of DC. Through our community partnerships and campus locations, we intentionally bring opportunities to communities throughout the DMV, ensuring fairness in hiring and employment practices.

Benefits

• Employer-paid Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance fully paid by TWB
• 403b Retirement Plan Option for Employee's Pre-tax & Roth Contributions
• Two weeks annual leave + 2 personal days+ 2 floating holiday
• Six sick days annually
• Free ballet classes
• Access to free or discounted tickets to performances

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references. We encourage all interested applicants to apply even if they do not feel they meet 100% of the qualifications. We are dedicated to considering a wide array of candidates including those with non-traditional background and experience. Please use your cover letter to elaborate on what you hope to bring to this role and how your prior experience has prepared you for this opportunity.

About The Washington Ballet

Founded more than 80 years ago, The Washington Ballet grew out of the success of The Washington School of Ballet, founded and directed for years by legendary dance pioneer Mary Day. Today, The Washington Ballet's mission is threefold: To bring the joy and artistry of dance to the nation's capital and the world's stage through the professional presentation of the best in classic and contemporary ballet; To provide the highest caliber of dance training through a preeminent school of ballet; and To serve and involve the entire community through extensive dance education and community engagement programs.