Costume Shop Student Production Assistant

Supports the costume production process for Theatre and Dance performances throughout the academic year. Provides hands-on assistance in the creation, preparation, and maintenance of costumes while contributing to the overall operation of the costume shop. Works collaboratively with faculty, staff, and student designers to ensure high-quality costume production in support of departmental artistic and educational goals.

About the role

Offers opportunities to develop and apply skills in costume construction, costume crafts, and theatrical production within a collaborative and fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong interest in theatrical costume production, demonstrate attention to detail, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and be eager to learn and apply costume construction and costume shop practices.

Responsibilities

• 70% - Building Costumes
  • Assist with the construction of costumes for student and mainstage productions, including machine and hand sewing, pattern preparation, alterations, fitting adjustments, and finishing details.
  • Follow designer and supervisor instructions while learning proper costume construction techniques and safe tool use in a shop environment.
• 10% - Show Laundry and Repairs
  • Support production needs by laundering, steaming, and pressing costumes during rehearsals and performances.
  • Assist with minor costume repairs such as mending seams, replacing fasteners, and addressing wear to ensure costumes remain performance-ready throughout the run of a show.
• 10% - Pulling and Refiling Costumes
  • Pull costumes, accessories, and related items from stock for fittings and rehearsals, ensuring accuracy and organization.
  • Refile costumes properly after use, maintaining labeling and storage systems to keep inventory accessible and protected.
• 10% - Organization and Maintenance
  • Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe costume shop by tidying workspaces, organizing tools and supplies, and assisting with general shop upkeep.
  • Support inventory organization and contribute to an efficient and collaborative work environment.

Requirements

• Experience using a home sewing machine and applying basic hand-sewing techniques.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.
• During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must:
  • Have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester, or
  • Be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours, or
  • Be enrolled in summer session, or
  • Be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester.
• Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments do not apply to Student Hourly appointments.
• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR. This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Qualifications

• Required:
  • Experience using a home sewing machine and applying basic hand-sewing techniques, as indicated in application materials.
• Preferred:
  • Experience with theatre production and scenic build processes, as indicated in application materials.
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of clothing construction, as indicated in application materials.

Pay

$11.00 per hour

Anticipated Start Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026