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Internship Costume Sewing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sewing and otherwise constructing costumes and accessories * Altering andrepairing costume pieces ... Minimum of four years of equivalent full-time professional (paid) work experience or internship in ...

Internship Costume Sewing information

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$11

$17

$24

How much do internship costume sewing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship costume sewing in the United States is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Internship Costume Sewing positions?

Internship Costume Sewing positions are entry-level roles where interns assist in constructing, altering, and maintaining costumes for theater, film, television, or events. These internships provide hands-on experience in sewing techniques, fabric handling, pattern making, and working within a costume department. Interns often work under the supervision of professional costume designers or seamstresses, gaining valuable skills and industry insight. Such positions are ideal for students or recent graduates pursuing a career in costume design or fashion.

What is the difference between Internship Costume Sewing vs Costume Cutter?

AspectInternship Costume SewingCostume Cutter
CredentialsBasic sewing skills, possibly some coursework or trainingExperience in pattern making and fabric cutting
Work EnvironmentAssist in costume creation, supervised, often in theater or film settingsFocus on fabric preparation, working closely with designers and costume designers
Industry UsageCommonly used as an entry-level position for aspiring costume professionalsSpecialized role in fabric preparation and pattern execution

Internship Costume Sewing typically involves assisting with costume construction under supervision, focusing on sewing and assembly. Costume Cutter specializes in fabric cutting and pattern work, often requiring more experience. Both roles are essential in costume production, but they differ in responsibilities and skill levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Costume Sewing, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Costume Sewing, you need basic sewing skills, a familiarity with garment construction, and an understanding of fabric types, often supported by coursework or hands-on experience in costume or fashion design. Familiarity with sewing machines, sergers, hand-stitching techniques, and pattern-making tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to follow instructions are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure costumes are constructed accurately and efficiently, contributing to the overall quality and success of theatrical or film productions.

What types of projects and tasks can an intern expect to work on during a costume sewing internship?

As a costume sewing intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of hands-on tasks, such as stitching, altering, and repairing costumes under the supervision of experienced costume professionals. Daily responsibilities often include fabric cutting, hand and machine sewing, fitting adjustments, and organization of costume materials. Interns may also help with costume fittings, assist in maintaining costume inventory, and collaborate with designers and performers to ensure costumes meet production requirements. This role provides valuable exposure to the fast-paced environment of theater or film productions and offers opportunities to build technical skills while working as part of a creative team.
More about Internship Costume Sewing jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Costume Sewing jobs? Cities with the most Internship Costume Sewing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costume Sewing jobs? The most popular types of Costume Sewing jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Costume Sewing jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Costume Sewing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Costume Sewing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Internship, 14% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,437 per year, or $18 per hour.

Costume Shop Director, UCI Arts

University of California, Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$32.42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 612 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
The Claire Trevor School of the Arts (UCI Arts) at the University of California, Irvine, creates transformative experiences through an interconnected, diverse and innovative community of artists and scholars.
As the only UC school encompassing art, dance, drama and music, reflected in its four departments, UCI Arts fosters creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration, empowering over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students annually. With a focus on academic rigor, technology and a commitment to inclusivity, students engage in over 150 annual exhibitions, performances and workshops while preparing for a wide range of professional careers. As part of a comprehensive research university, UCI Arts offers students the unique opportunity to pursue artistic and academic excellence as mutually informative endeavors. Our embrace of double majors and interdisciplinary as well as cross-school collaborations provides students with opportunities to develop as leaders in their fields.
Rooted in Southern California's vibrant cultural landscape in Orange County, UCI Arts maintains deep connections with regional, national, and global arts organizations and practitioners. These relationships expand UCI Arts' resources for students, providing career pathway-oriented opportunities, including internships and industry partnerships. Students can also gain professional experience through activities in our two professional galleries, the Contemporary Arts Center and the Beall Center for Art + Technology (see further information below).
UCI Arts' dynamic faculty, distinguished by their leadership in their creative practice, mentor students to become engaged global citizens. Our alumni launch into careers of impact, making significant contributions across both the arts and other sectors.
Your Role on the Team
Under the general direction of the Production Manager, the Costume Shop Director manages the costume shop for UCI Arts in a fast-paced, multi-venue, multi-production environment. The position oversees the planning, construction, alteration, pulling, rental, purchasing, maintenance, and inventory of costumes, wigs, makeup, crafts, accessories, and related costume elements for productions and events. The Costume Shop Director supervises costume shop staff, overhire, student employees, and assigned student crews; coordinates fittings and costume production schedules; manages costume budgets and purchasing; maintains safe shop practices; and collaborates with designers, directors, choreographers, faculty, stage management, and Production Management to support the artistic, academic, and operational needs of UCI Arts.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Advanced knowledge of costume design, construction techniques, fitting practices, alterations, wardrobe processes, and historical costume construction.
  • Costume experience in a university, educational, regional or professional theatre environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of costume materials and equipment, including fabrics, notions, craft supplies, dyes, adhesives, industrial and domestic sewing machines, steam irons, cutting tools, dress forms, and related costume shop equipment.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising staff student workers, and/or overhire, including organizing workflow, delegating responsibility, assigning work, training, scheduling, and supporting performance management.
  • Good knowledge and skills in financial and personnel administration, including budget tracking, purchasing, rentals, payroll/labor tracking, reconciliation, inventory, and compliance.
  • Demonstrated experience in theatrical cutting, draping, stitching, alterations, dyeing, crafts, and/or costume production in a fast-paced, multi-production environment.
  • Knowledge of standard safety procedures as outlined by university and OSHA guidelines. Ability to determine, implement, instruct and maintain safety in the Costume Shop.
  • Ability to set priorities, organize work, manage competing deadlines, and coordinate costume shop workflow across multiple productions, venues, fittings, rehearsals, and production calendars.
  • Ability to train and supervise students in costume shop practices, safety, equipment use, production responsibilities, and appropriate professional standards in an academic production environment.
  • Good verbal and interpersonal communication skills to communicate complex instructions and information to to students, staff, faculty, designers, directors, choreographers, stage management, Production Management, and other constituencies.
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • 4-6 years Costume shop management

Total Rewards
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
The estimated budgeted range for this role is $65,700 - $90,400.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

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