Costume Assistant

Job Description

Function: The Costume Assistant works as a member of the Erie Playhouse Costume Shop team on the production, maintenance and care of our costume inventory. This is a year-round, full-time position reporting to the Costume Designer.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Costume Construction: Sew new costumes from patterns and design notes.  Patterns may be commercial or hand drawn.
• Fittings and Alterations: Modify existing garments and adjust costumes to fit properly and allow for necessary stage movements.
• Maintenance & Repair: Launder, steam, iron, and repair costumes, including repairing rips, replacing buttons and fixing zippers.
• Production Support: Assist with costume crafts such as dyeing, distressing, stoning, jewelry, millinery, etc.
• Organization: Maintain a clean and safe workspace. Assist in sorting and restocking costumes, and in organizing fabric, trim, notion, & pattern storage areas.
• Collaboration: Work with the Costume Designer and production teams to realize the artistic vision of each show. Attend staff and production meetings as required.
• Leadership: Oversee and offer guidance to costume volunteers and/or interns.
• Customer Service: Answer phone calls and interact face-to-face with people wishing to donate clothing items.
• Professional Development: Stay up to date on new sewing techniques, tools, and fabric options.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Previous theatre, costume, or professional sewing experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in industrial and home sewing machines, sergers, and hand-stitching techniques.Excellent garment construction skills.
• Understanding of fabric types, care methods, and garment construction.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight, high-pressure deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take ownership of assigned projects.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift heavy costumes and rolls/bolts of fabric (up to 40 lbs).
• Navigate warehouse space and theatre dressing rooms on multiple floors, and to climb stairs and ladders as needed.

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $30,000 – $32,000 per year with potential growth in future years + benefits

Anticipated Start: May 2026

Availability:  While much of the work, staff meetings, and production meetings are completed during regular business hours, the Costume Assistant must be available as needed for fittings, dress rehearsals and emergency production repairs. These typically occur during evening or weekend hours.

About the Erie Playhouse: The award-winning Erie Playhouse was founded over 100 years ago with a focus on performing quality live theatre for the Erie community. Our mission has expanded over the years, adding community outreach and arts education as a top priority.

Erie Playhouse Mission: The Erie Playhouse educates, entertains, inspires, transforms, and supports communities through theatre.