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Theatre Costume Shop Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager

College Park, MD · On-site

$78K - $84K/yr

Knowledge of current practices and procedures in costume shop and wardrobe management. Knowledge of costume crafts, millinery, wigs and theatrical make-up. Skill in oral and written communication.

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$400 - $1K/wk

Works at the theatre during load-ins and tech week preparing costumes for shows. ​ Requirements ... Project management and people skills are necessary. * Proficiency in English both written and oral ...

Costume Shop Staff

Sunrise, FL · On-site

$400 - $1K/wk

Works at the theatre during load-ins and tech week preparing costumes for shows. ​ Requirements ... Project management and people skills are necessary. * Proficiency in English both written and oral ...

This year, we are unveiling our brand new 322 seat proscenium theater. About the shop: Our costume ... Manage Materials: Determine the yardage needed for fabrics and trims for each built costume, as ...

Stitcher

New York, NY · On-site

$25/hr

Costume Shop Manager Place of Work: NYC HQ - 34-01 38th Ave #302 Long Island City, NY 11101 Status ... Demonstrated knowledge in theatrical construction and quick rigging techniques * Understanding of ...

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Theatre Costume Shop Manager information

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How much do theatre costume shop manager jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatre costume shop manager in the United States is $27.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Theatre Costume Shop Manager, and why are they important?

A Theatre Costume Shop Manager needs expertise in costume construction, fabric knowledge, budgeting, and organizational management, often supported by a degree in costume design or theatre arts. Familiarity with sewing machines, pattern-making software, inventory systems, and safety protocols is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help in managing teams and collaborating with designers and directors. These competencies ensure the timely and efficient creation of costumes that meet artistic vision and production deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by a Theatre Costume Shop Manager, and how can they be addressed?

A Theatre Costume Shop Manager often faces challenges such as tight production timelines, managing diverse teams of designers and technicians, and balancing budget constraints with creative vision. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to coordinate fittings, alterations, and last-minute changes without disrupting the overall production schedule. Building a collaborative environment and maintaining open dialogue with directors, designers, and performers can help anticipate issues early and find creative solutions that meet both artistic and practical needs.

What does a Theatre Costume Shop Manager do?

A Theatre Costume Shop Manager oversees all aspects of the costume department in a theatre production. This includes coordinating the design, creation, fitting, maintenance, and storage of costumes, as well as managing budgets, schedules, and costume staff. They work closely with directors, designers, and performers to ensure costumes meet the artistic vision and practical needs of each show. Additionally, they handle inventory, sourcing materials, and sometimes even sewing or altering costumes themselves. Their organizational and leadership skills are essential to keep the costume shop running smoothly and productions looking their best.

What is the difference between Theatre Costume Shop Manager vs Costume Designer?

AspectTheatre Costume Shop ManagerCostume Designer
Primary RoleOversees costume inventory, manages shop operations, and coordinates costume productionDesigns costumes, creates sketches, and conceptualizes wardrobe for productions
CredentialsExperience in costume management, sewing skills, possibly related certificationsDesign degree or background, strong artistic skills, portfolio
Work EnvironmentTheatre costume shop, backstage, production settingsDesign studio, theatre, on-set or location
Industry UsageCommonly employed in theatre companies, schools, and production housesPrimarily in theatre, film, and television productions

Theatre Costume Shop Managers focus on managing costume inventories and shop operations, ensuring costumes are ready for performances. Costume Designers concentrate on creating and designing costumes to bring characters to life. Both roles are essential in theatre productions but serve different functions within the costume department.

More about Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs? Cities with the most Theatre Costume Shop Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Costume Shop jobs? The most popular types of Theatre Costume Shop jobs are:
What states have the most Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theatre Costume Shop Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various Theatre Costume Shop Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, 40% Full Time, 20% Contract, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 57% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,822 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Spv, Costume Shop & Res De

Spv, Costume Shop & Res De

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 05/05/2026 Requisition Number PRN44951B Job Title Spv, Costume Shop & Res De Working Title Costume Shop Coordinator Career Progression Track D Track Level FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary
This position requires a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, aligned with rehearsal and production timelines. The role is highly active and involves physical tasks such as lifting, organizing materials, and working in shop and performance spaces.
VP Area Academic Affairs Department 00079 - Theatre Department Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range 50,000-53,000 Close Date 08/31/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The Department of Theatre at the University of Utah-an active R1 institution with a rigorous annual production schedule of 5-6 shows-seeks a highly organized, collaborative, and hands-on Costume Shop Coordinator. This position plays a vital role in supporting the artistic and educational mission of the department by mentoring students, managing costume production processes, and ensuring the successful execution of all costume-related aspects of departmental productions.
This position is integral to the success of the Department of Theatre's production program and educational mission. The Costume Shop Coordinator & Production Support Specialist serves as both a skilled practitioner and dedicated mentor, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience while maintaining high production standards.
Responsibilities
Production & Design Support
  • Read and analyze scripts for all departmental productions to anticipate costume needs and challenges.
  • Collaborate closely with student designers to support show organization, including instruction in garment measurement, sizing, and fit evaluation.
  • Attend all costume fittings and maintain detailed fitting notes for designers and shop staff.
  • Participate in photo calls, assisting designers with dressing room organization and execution.
  • Attend all first and second dress rehearsals, with additional attendance at third dress rehearsals for complex productions.
Student Mentorship & Training
  • Mentor student stage managers in effective communication and collaboration with the costume shop.
  • Guide student designers through the full costume production process, providing instruction in practical skills and professional standards.
  • Train wardrobe crews for each production, ensuring preparedness for rehearsal and performance demands.
Costume Shop Operations
  • Build, alter, and repair costumes in support of production needs.
  • Oversee and coordinate the work of costume shop personnel on departmental projects.
  • Ensure all costume notes, builds, and deadlines are met for key milestones such as photo call and dress rehearsals.
Budgeting & Purchasing
  • Manage costume budgets for all productions, maintaining accurate financial records.
  • Source costume materials and garments through both online and in-person shopping.
  • Accompany students on local shopping trips and execute all purchases, as students do not have direct access to departmental funds.
  • Process returns and maintain accurate transaction records using Concur or similar financial systems.
Inventory, Rentals & Logistics
  • Coordinate costume pulls from local theatres and external partners, including transporting students to off-site locations as needed.
  • Organize and maintain costume inventory, including borrowed items.
  • Manage laundry and maintenance of costumes during show runs and oversee post-show strike and cleaning.
Technical & Production Support
  • Organize, repair, and/or build mic packs for productions requiring them.Ensure all costume elements are performance-ready and meet production standards
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, or related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); four years professional costume design experience; and training in textiles, theatrical cutting and draping, dying, scheduling, personnel management, budgetary supervision, and theatrical design required. Excellent oral and written communication skills; supervisory and training skills; the ability to work in a detail- and deadline-oriented environment; and a commitment to service excellence also required. A Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design is preferred.
Preferences
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in costume construction, alteration, and wardrobe management.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously.
  • Experience mentoring or teaching students in a theatrical or educational setting.Familiarity with budgeting processes and financial tracking systems (e.g., Concur).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in a university or educational theatre environment.
  • Knowledge of professional theatre production practices and standards.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in collaborative and instructional contexts.
Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary
Please provide at least two references.
Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.


Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.


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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US

Year founded

1850