Assistant Costume Designer, Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts

About the role

The Assistant Costume Designer supports the Costume Designer in the organization, preparation, and maintenance of costumes for all Hamburg Hawks Performing Arts productions. Working collaboratively with the Performing Arts Director and Technical Manager, this role focuses on logistical coordination, student support, and backstage costume operations to ensure performers are properly costumed for rehearsals and performances. This position plays an essential role in maintaining smooth costume operations while modeling professionalism, organization, and responsibility for student participants in a safe and supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Interest in costume design, costume construction, wardrobe management, or theatrical costuming.
• Basic sewing skills.
• Strong organizational skills and fine attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with educators, artists, students, and parents.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks at once within deadlines.
• Must be comfortable working in a school environment with students.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends during rehearsals and performances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in costume design, costume construction, wardrobe management, or theatrical costuming.
• Sewing, alteration, and basic costume construction skills.
• Experience working in K-12, educational, or youth theatre setting.
• Experience managing costume inventories.
• Background in theatre, costume design, fashion, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Costume Organization & Preparation:

• Assist the Costume Designer in organizing, labeling, and tracking costumes for all cast members.
• Prepare costumes, accessories, and footwear for rehearsals, fittings, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Ensure costumes are ready, accessible, and properly maintained throughout the production process.

Fittings & Alterations Support:

• Assist with scheduling, coordinating, and managing student costume fittings.
• Support students during fittings, including guidance on proper wear and care of costumes.
• Assist with basic costume alterations and repairs as directed by the Costume Designer.

Backstage Costume Operations:

• Assist with costume changes during rehearsals and performances, including quick changes as needed.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient costume area backstage.
• Ensure costumes are properly hung, stored, and cared for between performances.

Communication & Coordination:

• Communicate costume-related information to students, parents, and production staff as directed.
• Coordinate with Technical Director and Director regarding costume timelines, changes, and performance needs.
• Promptly report costume issues, damage, or missing items to Costume Designer.

Student Mentorship & Education:

• Support students in learning theatre etiquette, accountability, and respect for shared materials.
• Foster a positive and respectful backstage environment.
• Assist in teaching students proper costume handling, organization, and quick-change procedures.

Administrative & Closing Duties:

• Assist with tracking costume inventory, assignments, and returns.
• Support costume cleaning, repairs, and proper storage following performances.
• Assist with strike and post-show organization of costume materials.

Pay

Stipend position earning $850 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Part-time / seasonal.

Evaluation

Employees serving in stipend roles are not guaranteed employment consecutively from year to year. At the end of each performing arts production performance in this role will be evaluated. If performance is satisfactory, you will be requested to remain in the same position. Evaluation of your performance is determined by your collaboration and communication with students, parents, and colleagues; how well you perform the essential functions of your role; and by your demonstrated knowledge of the position.