Costume Attendants: Career & Application Guide

What do costume attendants do?

Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
Distribute costumes or related equipment and keep records of item status.
Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.
Clean and press costumes before and after performances and perform any minor repairs.
Collaborate with production designers, costume designers, or other production staff to discuss and execute costume design details.
Monitor, maintain, or secure inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup, providing keys or access to assigned directors, costume designers, or wardrobe mistresses/masters.

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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