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Volunteer Theatre Costume Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Volunteer Theatre Costume information

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$8

$19

$34

How much do volunteer theatre costume jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer theatre costume in Chicago, IL is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Theatre Costume Assistant, you should have basic sewing skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of costume maintenance, often gained through hands-on experience or relevant coursework. Familiarity with sewing machines, fabric care tools, and inventory management systems is helpful in this role. Creativity, teamwork, and strong organizational skills make someone stand out by enabling smooth collaboration and timely costume preparation. These competencies ensure costumes are well-maintained, accurate, and ready for performance, directly supporting the success of theatrical productions.

How do volunteer theatre costume team members typically collaborate with directors and performers during a production?

Volunteer theatre costume team members work closely with directors to understand the vision for each character and the overall production aesthetic. They also interact with performers during fittings to ensure costumes fit comfortably and support the actors' movement on stage. Communication is key, as costume volunteers often need to make adjustments based on feedback and coordinate with other departments, such as hair and makeup. This collaborative environment helps ensure that costumes contribute effectively to the storytelling and overall success of the show.

What are Volunteer Theatre Costume roles?

Volunteer Theatre Costume roles involve assisting with the creation, maintenance, and organization of costumes for theatrical productions. Volunteers may help with tasks such as sewing, repairing, fitting costumes to actors, organizing costume storage, and assisting during performances with quick changes. These roles are essential to ensuring the visual quality and smooth operation of a show. No professional experience is usually required, but basic sewing skills and attention to detail are helpful. Volunteers often work closely with costume designers and other theatre staff.

What is the difference between Volunteer Theatre Costume vs Costume Designer?

AspectVolunteer Theatre CostumeCostume Designer
CredentialsNone required, often self-taught or with basic sewing skillsFormal education in fashion, costume design, or related fields
Work EnvironmentCommunity theaters, schools, or nonprofit productionsProfessional theater, film, or television productions
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit, community-based, volunteer-drivenCommercial, professional, or high-budget productions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer roles in theater costume workProfessional costume design careers and qualifications

Volunteer Theatre Costumes typically involve assisting with costume preparation and maintenance without formal credentials, often in community or nonprofit settings. Costume Designers are professionals with specialized training who create and oversee costume concepts for productions. The main differences lie in the level of expertise, scope of work, and industry setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL? For Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Volunteer Theatre Costume job openings:
Volunteer Theatre Costume jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Theatre Costume job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,004 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Theatre Production Assistant Director

Illinois School District U-46

Elgin, IL

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

     Position / Title: Theatre Production: Assistant Director Bargaining Unit:    NAC Department/Location: HS Activities Calendar Days: N/A Reports To: Theatre Production: Director/Building Athletic/Activities Director JD Revision Date: 12/11/2023 Supervises: N/A       
Function / Position Summary
To build and maintain a high-quality theatre program, focusing on best-practice, student-focused instruction to provide opportunities for students.
Job Duties / Responsibilities
  • Implement researched-based instructional strategies that engage all students, differentiating to accommodate a range of ability levels, and acknowledging a variety of cultural backgrounds in order to support student learning and growth.
  • Communicate effectively with parents, students, administrators, teacher colleagues, and community leaders.
  • Maintain high expectations for student achievement and behavior and motivate students to work to their highest potential.
  • Maintain equipment associated with the activity.
  • Demonstrate prompt and regular attendance.
  • Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
  • Cultivate a positive, harassment free, instructional culture which motivates students through the use of effective communication and constructive feedback.
  • Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  • Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and appropriate student handbook.
  • Assists Director in creating stage blocking and general show design
  • Works with students to create/procure costumes for the production.
  • Works with students to create/procure properties for the production. 
  • Assists Director in securing rehearsal spaces 
  • Assists Director in creating/arranging publicity and graphic design needs (programs, posters, etc.)  
  • Assists Director in arranging and coordinating parent volunteers as needed  
  • Assists Director in managing finances for the production 
  • 80 Hours of rehearsal 
  • Attend all shows
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Education preferred
  • Illinois Professional Educators License preferred
  • High School Diploma required
  • Related coursework and/or previous related experience required
Experience / Knowledge
  • Previous acting experience preferred.
  • Previous directing experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of show production preferred.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback, and to conduct conferences as needed with parents, students, administrators, or other teachers. 
  • Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills. 
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, inquiries, and/or complaints. 
  • Display courtesy, tact, and respect when dealing with others.
  • Maintain appropriate confidentiality. 
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships; demonstrate a commitment to teamwork. 
  • Ability and willingness to learn and refresh job skills through professional development in order to meet the changing needs of this position. 
  • Ability to react well under pressure, handle and balance multiple demands at one time, work with frequent unscheduled interruptions, and perform duties and tasks at expected levels of professionalism. 
  • Spanish language skills preferred.
Physical Demands
  • Occasionally requires working in warm temperatures, including under stage lights.
  • Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, or carry heavy materials or equipment.
  • Must work in noisy and crowded environments.
  • Public contact requiring appropriate business-like apparel.
Terms of Employment
  • This is an Appendix F stipend position in accordance to the school year calendar.
  • For Non-ETA Coaches: this position is for this year only.
  • Terms of employment will be determined in collaboration with the athletic/activity director.






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