Costume Craft Technician

Full Stop Productions and Costume Studio; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 5 days/year

Company holidays

Medical, dental & vision

Job summary

Full Stop Productions and Costume Studio is seeking a hands-on Costume Craft Technician to join the studio team in Largo, FL. The role focuses on production, integration, and finishing of costume components, with foam, fabric, adhesives, and coatings to create durable, performer-friendly pieces.

Responsibilities include building, refurbishing, and repairing costumes, developing patterns, applying paints, and documenting techniques.

Qualifications

• 5+ Years Experience in character fabrication, costume crafts, props, sculpture, scenic fabrication, or a related hands-on field.
• Education or training in theater, costume construction, fine arts, sculpture, or fabrication is welcome; equivalent practical experience considered.
• Experience with foams, cutting, carving, shaping, and assembly.
• Painting and finishing with brush, airbrush, or HVLP spray applications.
• Understanding of materials, adhesives, surface prep, and durable construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Build, refurbish, and repair costumes and accessories using various fabrication techniques.
• Cut, carve, sculpt, shape, laminate, and assemble foams for character forms.
• Develop patterns and mockups for foam, fabric, and other materials.
• Apply paints and finishes with brushes, airbrushing, and HVLP spray equipment.
• Prepare surfaces through cleaning, sanding, sealing, and priming.
• Ensure fit, visibility, ventilation, movement, and maintenance access for performers.

Skills

Character fabrication

Costume crafts

Foam work

Sewing (hand & machine)

Paint and finishing

Tool proficiency (hand & power)

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Theatre/costume construction or fine arts training

Tools

HVLP spray guns

Airbrush

Job description

The Costume Crafts Technician is a hands-on member of the costume studio focusing on the production, integration and finishing of costume components. The Costume Craft Technician is expected to be well-rounded generalist and will be expected to train in and assist in all aspects of the department with expertise working with various uses of foams, fabrics, adhesives, coatings, and other materials to create durable, visually consistent pieces that support performer comfort and movement. Projects may include character heads, bodies, sculpted pieces, accessories, and specialty costume elements. The Costume Craft Technician requires strong fabrication and finishing skills, intermediate machine and hand-sewing skills, problem-solving ability, and working with a variety of materials. Team members are expected to learn and assist across the department as production needs require.

Reporting Structure

Costume Craft Technician Studio report directly to the Costume Studio Supervisor.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, refurbish, and repair character costumes, costume components, and accessories using a variety of fabrication techniques.
• Cut, carve, sculpt, shape, laminate, and assemble various foams to create character forms and dimensional costume elements.
• Develop and modify patterns, templates, and mockups for foam, fabric, and other materials.
• Apply paint and finishes using brushes, airbrushes, and HVLP spray guns, including color matching, blending, shading, and detail work.
• Prepare surfaces for painting and finishing through cleaning, sanding, filling, sealing, and priming as appropriate to the material.
• Work with materials such as upholstery foam, EVA foam, reticulated foam, faux fur, stretch fabrics, plastics, and specialty costume materials.
• Select and apply appropriate adhesives and fastening methods, including contact cement, epoxies, cyanoacrylate adhesives, snaps, buckles, and hook-and-loop closures.
• Assess existing costumes for wear or damage and complete repairs that maintain their appearance, function, and durability.
• Assemble and integrate costume components with attention to performer fit, visibility, ventilation, movement, and access for maintenance.
• Follow reference artwork, samples, patterns, measurements, and supervisor direction to maintain character accuracy and consistency.
• Perform hand sewing and basic machine sewing as needed for assembly, covering, attachment, and repairs.
• Use and maintain hand tools, power tools, airbrushes, spray equipment, and other shop equipment.
• Document materials, techniques, and build steps through photographs and written notes to support future repairs and repeat builds.
• Communicate progress, material needs, and challenges promptly, and collaborate with supervisors to resolve construction issues.
• Complete individual and team assignments to a consistent, high-quality standard within established timelines.
• Follow company safety procedures for tools, chemicals, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized workspace and assist with shared shop upkeep.
• Move between craft and sewing assignments as production priorities change, maintaining consistent workmanship and meeting established deadlines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• 5+ Years Experience in character fabrication, costume crafts, props, sculpture, scenic fabrication, or a related hands-on field.
• Relevant education or training in theater, costume construction, fine arts, sculpture, or fabrication is welcome; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Experience working with various foams, including cutting, carving, shaping, and assembly.
• Painting and finishing skills, with experience in brush painting, airbrushing, and/or HVLP spray application.
• Understanding of material compatibility, adhesives, surface preparation, and durable construction methods.
• Ability to interpret reference images and translate two-dimensional designs into three-dimensional forms.
• Strong attention to shape, proportion, color, texture, symmetry, and finish quality.
• Practical problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt techniques to different materials and project requirements.
• Comfort using hand tools and power tools safely and accurately.
• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, follow direction, and incorporate feedback.
• Good organizational, time-management, and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and assist across studio disciplines.
• Ability to maintain quality while working toward firm production deadlines.

Additional Experience Preferred

• Construction or refurbishment of mascot, theme park, or theatrical character costumes.
• Faux fur application, fabric covering, and finishing dimensional forms.
• Industrial and domestic sewing machine operation and hand sewing.
• Mold making, casting, thermoplastic forming, or lightweight structural fabrication.
• Installation and repair of internal supports, headgear, closures, and attachment systems.
• Creating repeatable templates and documenting fabrication methods.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Work in an active fabrication shop using tools, adhesives, paints, and other production materials.
• Work with various electric tools such as bandsaws, sanders, and hot tools
• Moderate lifting or carrying of 25-50 lbs.
• Intermittent sitting, standing, bending, and stooping.
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and work at heights as required.
• Repeated reaching and detailed hand work.
• Use of equipment requiring manual dexterity.
• Use of task-appropriate personal protective equipment.

Pay and Benefits

• Hourly pay: $23-$25 USD per hour.
• Payroll is paid biweekly in arrears.
• Full-time hourly team members receive 5 days of PTO per year, plus paid designated company holidays. If a holiday falls on a production-related workday or weekend, an alternate date will be selected.
• Benefits offered to Full-time hourly team members, including medical, dental and vision.