Associate Costumer - Theatre Harrisburg

Theatre Harrisburg Associate Costumer

Job Title: Associate Costumer

Location: Harrisburg, PA

Job Summary:

Do you have a passion for the arts? Do you have previous experience creating costumes, or

would like to grow your sewing skills further? If so, Theatre Harrisburg is looking for you!

Become part of the team responsible for creating and maintaining the costumes used in Theatre

Harrisburg shows and events. Work part-time alongside other talented and creative individuals in

an engaging, high-energy, and fast-paced environment, honing the skills necessary for you to

become the new full-time Resident Costume Designer.

Responsibilities:

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

 Coordinate with the director, set, lighting and sound designers, and other creative

personnel such as hair stylists and makeup artists in the overall vision of a production.

 Work with and guide Costume Shop volunteers

 Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: taking measurements,

cutting/draping, sewing, and performing alterations on costumes, uniforms, and tailoring

menswear.

 Building/constructing soft goods and custom costumes from start to finish as required by

supervision, determining most efficient construction method and complete garment

construction.

 Assist in note taking and fittings, repairing and mending of all garments

 Assist with strike and/or pull

 Assist with unpacking/packing and shopping/rental returns

 Manage use and upkeep of all costume shop machinery: standard sewing machines,

sergers, blind hemmer, grommet press, professional iron, and steamer

 Time management of all tasks in pre-production timeline (measurement of actors done

with 3rd party present, set-up costume rack organized by each actor/character, keep

running “to do” list, pulling of existing costumes & accessories, construction of mock-

ups & final costumes, costume fittings, alterations to existing costumes, preparation of

dressing lists, managing volunteer tasks)

 Manage production run tasks (prepare schedule of costume/wardrobe staff for run,

supervise care & use of all costumes, transportation of costumes (to & from), laundering

& pressing of costumes during run, emergency repairs.

 Prepares wardrobe paperwork for the run of the show (i.e. dressing lists, preset checklists,

run sheets)

 Cleans performer’s costumes after the show, prepare for dry cleaning or laundry, and use

washer and dryer as directed

 Update & maintain substantial costume inventory: document items, cleaning, repair,

organization & storage

 Complete forms for borrowed costumes & donations, write thank you letters for

donations.



 Attend production meetings as needed

 Manage general running & upkeep of costume shop: cleaning, organization, inventory

supplies, keep running list of needs/wants.

 Maintains cleanliness and safety in assigned work area, performs all duties in compliance

with Safety guidelines and requirements, and reports all unsafe or unusual conditions to

supervision

 General support of Resident Designer and other tasks as assigned by the Resident

Designer



Qualifications:

 Two (2) years of experience as a seamstress, costume technician, wardrobe

master/mistress or equivalent related experience preferred

 Ability to demonstrate sewing skills (by both hand and machine) by passing a practical

sewing test at time of contingent offer

 Basic Patternmaking and craft skills. Textile manipulation: dyeing, printing, painting, a

plus

 Understanding of theatrical costuming, as well as fashion and style trends in various time

periods

 Must be proficient in costume construction using existing patterns, design build,

alterations, and maintenance of show costumes

 Must be proficient in craftwork, gluing & painting of fabrics & accessories; hand-sewing

& machine sewing

 Must have proficient knowledge of and ability to use basic hand tools related to the

costume industry (i.e. seam ripper, hand needle, scissors, etc.)

 Must have the physical ability to regularly operate sewing equipment and standing for

extended periods of time (ironing, drafting etc.)

 Must have the physical ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds

Compensation:

$18/hr part-time non-exempt (with the opportunity to move to full-time with benefits)

Work Hours:

This is a production team role, and as such candidate must have ability to work evenings,

weekends, and holiday periods to meet business needs.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination is required, as are background clearances if hired.

To apply:

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume showing relevant

experience and education to resumes@theatreharrisburg.com. In addition to the required

resume and cover letter, interested applicants are encouraged to submit images of their work,

submitted as a singular PDF document or a link to an online portfolio.



Candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color; LGTBQ+ and gender

diverse candidates; candidates with disabilities; as well as candidates from historically

marginalized groups are all encouraged to apply.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For more information about the theatre please visit www.theatreharrisburg.com
Salary: $18/hr