Theatre Production Assistant - Costume Shope

Universities of Wisconsin; Superior (WI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

UW-Superior invites applications for a Theatre Production Assistant - Costume Shop, a student hourly role supporting the theatre program with costumes for productions on and off campus. Attention to detail, reliability, and punctuality are essential.

Primary duties include pulling and organizing costumes, fittings and alterations, basic sewing for repairs, backstage support during tech rehearsals, costume care, inventory tracking, and assisting with shop organization and safety.

Qualifications

• Must qualify for federal work study and be a current or incoming UWS student.
• Able to work a minimum of 5 hours a week; 10 hours preferred.
• Lifts up to 40 pounds; climbs ladders and weighs up to 10 feet.
• Basic sewing skills; familiarity with alterations and repairs.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Pull, organize, and maintain the costume collection for productions and events.
• Assist with costume fittings, alterations, and garment construction.
• Apply basic sewing to repair, adjust, and finish costumes.
• Work backstage during technical rehearsals and performances; assist with quick changes.
• Clean, launder, and care for costumes; maintain shop safety and organization.
• Track inventory and keep accurate records of items in use and storage.
• Provide support in the scene shop and with general shop tasks as needed.
• Attend scheduled student employee meetings and production strike calls.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Teamwork

Punctuality

Basic sewing

Detail oriented

Willingness to learn

Work study eligibility

Education

Federal work study eligibility

Job description

Position Title:

Theatre Production Assistant - Costume Shope

Job Category:

Student Hourly

Job Profile:

Student Help

Job Summary:

Position Overview: The Costume Shop Assistant supports the theatre program by assisting in the preparation, organization, and maintenance of costumes for productions both on and off campus. This position requires attention to detail, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to punctuality and professionalism. The Costume Shop Assistant will contribute to the success of productions by ensuring costumes are properly constructed, altered, maintained, and managed throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

Compensation Rate: $15/hour

Primary Responsibilities:

• Pull, organize, and maintain the costume collection for departmental productions and events.
• Assist with costume fittings, alterations, and garment construction.
• Apply basic sewing skills to perform repairs, adjustments, and finishing work as needed.
• Work backstage during technical rehearsals and performances, assisting with quick changes and costume management.
• Clean, launder, and care for costumes according to production needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe costume shop environment.
• Manage and track costume inventory, ensuring accurate records of items in use and in storage.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and a positive, professional attitude while working with students, faculty, and staff.
• Maintain flexibility in scheduling, including evenings and weekends during production periods.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Provide support in the scene shop as requested by the Technical Director.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of production and departmental needs.
• Follow supervisor’s instructions when building and painting scenery, maintaining props furniture, and hang masking curtains. Training is provided.
• Maintain the organization and safety of the costume shop and performance stage. Training is provided.
• Assist with the general organization, maintenance and inventory control of all shops, supplies, and equipment: makeup, sewing notions, electronics, hardware, power tools, paint, etc.
• Assist with the requests to borrow or rent equipment, props, costumes, etc.
• Assist with Box Office duties and ushering during performances.
• Assist the Costume Shop.
• Attend scheduled UWS Theatre student employee meetings, work strike call at the end of productions returning costumes to the shop. These dates are scheduled well in advance.

Primary Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm and a desire to work in technical theatre.
• Must qualify for federal work study. Must be a current or incoming UWS student.
• Must be able to work a minimum of 5 hours a week. 10 hours a week is preferred.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 pounds short distances.
• Must be able to work on ladders and powered lift at heights up to 10 feet or higher.
• Be aware of any allergic reactions to latex gloves and paints and dust sensitivities.
• Work well unsupervised.
• Basic sewing skills are required; familiarity with alterations and repairs is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced production environment.
• Punctuality, reliability, and a professional demeanor.
• Willingness to learn new skills related to costume construction and stagecraft.

Notice to New Employees: Employment will require a criminal background check. A pending criminal charge or conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant.In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the University does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

UW-Superior, A Superior Place:

The University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of ‘final candidates’ must be revealed upon request. According to the Attorney General, ‘final candidates’ under Wisconsin law means the five candidates who are considered most qualified for the position. See Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.36(7)(a).

Employment will require a criminal background check, and if you have prior work history within the last seven years with Universities of Wisconsin or State of Wisconsin agencies, a personnel file review check for employee misconduct. It will also require your references to answer questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University reserves the right to check references with notice given to the candidates at the appropriate time in the process.

Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For UW-Superior campus safety information and crime statistics, review the Annual Security Report or contact the University Police Department Safety at 715-394-8114 for a printed copy.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.