Costume Attendant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of theater and film, the role of costume attendants is pivotal.

As art and fashion trends evolve, the demand for creative and meticulous individuals who can design, adapt, and maintain our theatrical wardrobes is on the rise.

But what does the job of a costume attendant really entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to pinpoint the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes world of costume design,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable costume attendant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Costume Attendant Duties and Responsibilities

Costume Attendants have a significant role in the production of films, theatre shows, and television programs.

They are in charge of the costumes used in a production, ensuring they are fit for purpose, properly maintained, and used correctly.

The following are the main duties and responsibilities of a Costume Attendant:

• Assist designers in the design and creation of costumes for various characters
• Study scripts to understand the costume needs of each scene
• Take actors’ measurements and fit costumes to them, making any necessary alterations
• Care for costumes, including laundering, mending, and proper storage
• Arrange costumes in order of use for quick changes during performances
• Help dress actors before performances and assist with costume changes as needed
• Inspect costumes on a regular basis to identify any repairs needed
• Keep a detailed record of each costume including its condition, alterations made, and when it was used
• Manage costume inventory and ensure all pieces are returned after each use
• Collaborate with makeup artists, set designers, and directors to ensure a cohesive look

 

Costume Attendant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a detail-oriented and creative Costume Attendant to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and maintenance of costumes before, during, and after performances.

The Costume Attendant’s duties include, but are not limited to, organizing and maintaining costume storage areas, assisting performers with dressing, performing minor repairs and alterations on costumes, and coordinating laundry and dry cleaning.

An ideal candidate is one who has a strong sense of style, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for fashion and theatrical arts.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain costumes before, during, and after performances
• Organize and maintain costume storage areas
• Assist performers with dressing
• Perform minor repairs and alterations on costumes
• Coordinate laundry and dry cleaning
• Collaborate with the creative team to ensure costume needs are met
• Ensure costumes are ready for dress rehearsals and performances

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Costume Attendant or similar role
• Knowledge of various styles and periods of fashion
• Proficiency in sewing and alterations
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in fashion design or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for creative expression and growth

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Costume Attendant
• Work Environment: Theatre setting with potential for travel to different performance venues.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Costume Designer or Wardrobe Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,000 minimum to $48,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time or Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Costume Attendant Do?

Costume Attendants typically work for theater productions, film or television studios, or other live performances.

They can also work for museums or historical sites that require period-specific attire.

They work closely with directors, actors, and other production staff to determine the best clothing options for characters or performers.

This includes not only the clothing itself but also any necessary accessories such as hats, shoes, or jewelry.

Their job often includes research to ensure historical accuracy, and they may be responsible for creating custom pieces or altering existing costumes to fit the performers.

Costume Attendants are also responsible for maintaining the costumes, which can involve tasks like washing, ironing, mending, or dry cleaning.

They also organize and manage the costume inventory and ensure that each performer has the correct costume for each scene.

During a performance, they assist with quick changes and handle any wardrobe malfunctions that may occur.

After a performance, they are responsible for properly storing the costumes and accessories, ready for the next use.

In some cases, Costume Attendants may also work with makeup artists and hair stylists to coordinate a complete look for a character or performer.

 

Costume Attendant Qualifications and Skills

Costume Attendants must possess a variety of technical skills, artistic abilities, and excellent communication skills to manage costume-related aspects of a production.

Some essential skills and qualifications include:

• Creativity and a keen eye for detail to design, select, and organize costumes that align with the vision of the production.
• Knowledge of fashion, costume history, and the ability to research to accurately create costumes for different periods or settings.
• Excellent sewing and tailoring skills to alter and repair costumes as needed.
• Exceptional organizational skills to keep track of all costumes, accessories, and props, ensuring they are clean and ready for each performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with a variety of team members, including actors, directors, and other backstage staff.
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines, often requiring flexibility and the ability to multitask.
• Physical stamina and manual dexterity to handle heavy costumes, accessories, and to perform detailed work such as sewing or beading.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and sanitary practices to maintain clean and safe dressing rooms and costume storage areas.

 

Costume Attendant Experience Requirements

Costume attendants usually require at least an associate’s degree or equivalent in Fashion Design, Costume Design, or Theater Arts.

This provides them with the foundational knowledge in understanding fabrics, sewing techniques, and costume history.

Internships or part-time roles in theater productions, television shows, or movie sets are very beneficial.

These give them practical experience in maintaining and repairing costumes, assisting actors in dressing, and managing costume inventories.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience are generally considered entry-level.

They may have worked in small-scale productions or assisted experienced costume attendants in larger productions.

Those with 3 to 5 years of experience are often experienced enough to handle larger productions, where they might be responsible for creating and managing the costume designs and changes for a large cast.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience are typically considered for managerial or head costume attendant roles.

They may oversee a team of costume attendants, coordinate with the production team on costume requirements, and manage budgets for costume creation and maintenance.

They may also train and mentor less-experienced costume attendants.

 

Costume Attendant Education and Training Requirements

Costume attendants typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, although some may pursue further education by earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fashion design, theater, or a related field.

They should have a thorough understanding of historical and modern fashion trends, textiles, and clothing construction.

Some positions may require knowledge of specific periods or styles of costume, depending on the needs of the production.

While formal education can be beneficial, practical experience is often more important in this field.

Many costume attendants gain experience by working in community theater, school productions, or volunteering at local costume shops.

Some costume attendants may also choose to pursue certification programs in fashion or costume design, which provide specialized training in areas like pattern making, tailoring, and fabric selection.

An essential part of a costume attendant’s education is on-the-job training.

This can involve learning how to assist actors with dressing, making minor repairs or alterations to costumes, and maintaining costume inventory.

In addition, a costume attendant needs to have excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.

These skills are often acquired and sharpened through hands-on experience in the field.

 

Costume Attendant Salary Expectations

A Costume Attendant earns an average salary of $37,180 (USD) per year.

However, the wage can vary greatly based on the individual’s experience, the location of work, and the budget of the production they are working on.

 

Costume Attendant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Costume Attendant need?

Costume Attendants need a keen eye for detail and an understanding of different fabric types, stitching techniques, and costume design.

They should have excellent organizational skills for managing inventory and ensuring the right costumes are ready for use.

Additionally, communication skills are crucial for understanding the requirements from directors and actors.

 

Do Costume Attendants need a degree?

While a degree is not always required, some Costume Attendants may have a degree in fashion design, theater arts or similar fields.

Extensive on-the-job training and experience in costume design or wardrobe management are often more important.

However, having a degree can provide a deeper understanding of the field and potentially open up more job opportunities.

 

What should you look for in a Costume Attendant’s resume?

When hiring a Costume Attendant, look for experience in costume design or wardrobe management.

Any experience with theater productions, film sets, or other similar environments would be beneficial.

Knowledge of different types of fabric and stitching methods is also useful.

A strong candidate should also demonstrate good organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure.

 

What qualities make a good Costume Attendant?

A good Costume Attendant should be detail-oriented, have strong organizational skills, and have a deep understanding of costume design and care.

They should also have good communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with directors, actors, and other crew members.

Creativity is another important quality, as they may need to adapt or modify costumes to meet specific requirements.

 

Is it difficult to hire Costume Attendants?

The difficulty in hiring Costume Attendants depends on the specific requirements of the role and the location.

In areas with a robust theatre or film industry, there might be a pool of experienced candidates to choose from.

However, for specialized roles or in areas with less industry activity, finding qualified candidates might be more challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a costume attendant.

Surprise!

It’s not just about picking outfits.

It’s about shaping characters and narratives, one costume at a time.

With our handy costume attendant job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step onto the stage.

But why stop at the footlights?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your backstage pass to meticulously crafted listings or fine-tuning your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every costume tells a story.

Let’s weave those stories. Together.

How to Become a Costume Attendant (Complete Guide)

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