Costume Shop Student Production Assistant

University of Kansas; Lawrence, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Lawrence Campus is seeking a Costume Shop Student Production Assistant to support the costume production process for Theatre and Dance performances throughout the academic year. This hourly role offers hands-on experience in construction, maintenance, and the overall operation of the costume shop, collaborating with faculty, staff, and student designers.

Responsibilities include constructing costumes (machine and hand sewing, alterations, fittings), laundering and

Qualifications

• Experience using a home sewing machine and basic hand-sewing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist with building costumes through sewing, pattern prep, alterations, fittings, and finishing details.
• Support laundering, steaming, and pressing of costumes during rehearsals and performances.
• Pull and refile costumes and related items from stock for fittings and rehearsals; maintain labeling and storage systems.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe costume shop and assist with general shop upkeep.

Skills

Sewing (home machine)

Job description

Costume Shop Student Production Assistant

Position Overview

The Costume Shop Production Assistant supports the costume production process for Theatre and Dance performances throughout the academic year. This position provides hands‑on assistance in the creation, preparation, and maintenance of costumes while contributing to the overall operation of the costume shop. Working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and student designers, the Costume Shop Production Assistant helps ensure high-quality costume production in support of departmental artistic and educational goals. The position 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.

Job Description

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.

Required Qualifications

• Experience using a home sewing machine and applying basic hand‑sewing techniques, as indicated in application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Position Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 20lbs.
• 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: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre‑enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) 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).

Employment Conditions

(1) Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
(2) 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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

In addition to the online application, please provide the following.

• Resume/ CV
• Cover Letter addressing required/ preferred qualifications

To ensure full consideration, please apply before the application deadline of October 1st, 2026.

• Primary Campus: University of Kansas Lawrence Campus