Costume Shop Overhire (Part-Time)

Reports to: Design Assist

Pay Rate: $15.90 per hour, variable hours 

Classification: Part-Time

Location: Staunton, Virginia (On-Site)

Position Summary

The American Shakespeare Center seeks a Costume Shop Overhire to support our costume and wardrobe departments during active production periods. This is a part-time, hourly position focused on assisting with costume construction, alterations, and general shop operations within a collaborative team environment.

This role is designed as a flexible support position, contributing to the workflow of the shop as needed rather than maintaining a consistent weekly schedule or carrying primary responsibility for production deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Costume Construction & Execution

• Assist with sewing, cutting, and costume construction
• Support alterations and finishing work
• Add embellishments and detail work to costume pieces
• Assist with ironing, steaming, and garment care

Shop & Wardrobe Support

• Assist with organization and maintenance of costume shop and equipment
• Support fittings and wardrobe needs as assigned
• Contribute to general costume shop duties when not assigned to specific production tasks

Collaborative Contribution

• Work as part of the costume and wardrobe team to support production needs
• Participate in problem-solving around construction techniques and execution
• Share knowledge or best practices when appropriate (informal and not required)

Schedule & Work Structure

• Part-time, hourly position
• Highly variable schedule based on production needs
• Weekly hours are not guaranteed and may range from 0 to 20+ hours
• Scheduled during designated shop hours (which may include evenings and weekends)
• Primarily in-person in the ASC costume shop

This role is structured to remain part-time, with hours assigned based on production workflow.

Supervision

• Reports to the Design Assist
• Works in coordination with wardrobe leadership and production staff as assigned
• Functions as part of the shop’s daily workflow with regular direction

Qualifications

• Basic to intermediate sewing or garment construction skills
• Ability to follow direction and work collaboratively
• Strong attention to detail and reliability

Preferred:

• Experience in a costume shop, wardrobe, or similar environment

Position Scope

This role is intentionally structured as a support position:

• Not responsible for independently delivering full costume builds
• Not expected to supervise others
• Not responsible for carrying primary production deadlines
• Scope and hours adjust based on production needs

Compensation

• $15.90 per hour
• Paid bi-weekly
• Part-time position; not eligible for benefits
• Overtime (over 40 hours/week) paid in accordance with applicable law and with prior approval

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by emailing a resume and portfolio to artistic@americanshakespearecenter.com with the subject line:
(NAME) Costume Overhire Submission

Please include photos of Works-In-Progress (WIPs) that highlight your costume construction, building, and technical skills. This is not a design position — we are looking for strong evidence of craftsmanship, execution, and production-ready work.

For best consideration, submit materials as soon as possible. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The American Shakespeare Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, veteran status, national origin, or disability.

The American Shakespeare Center values and supports collaboration, inclusion, and work/life balance. Our home in Staunton, Virginia, embodies these values through its livable, walkable downtown, low cost of living, diverse arts opportunities, easy access to cities like Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C., and abundant outdoor activities in the surrounding Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Learn more about ASC’s mission.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER

The American Shakespeare Center (ASC) is a nonprofit theatre company based in Staunton, Virginia, and home to the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. ASC is dedicated to engaging audiences through performances, education, and community programs.

What sets ASC apart:

• Historic Blackfriars Playhouse: The first-ever re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor theatre
• Innovative Education Programs: Workshops and lectures that make Shakespeare accessible to all
• Community Engagement: Partnerships and outreach initiatives fostering connections in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond
• Repertory Theatre: Year-round productions featuring both Shakespearean classics and contemporary works

Located in Staunton, Virginia, ASC offers a unique arts and cultural experience in a historic, vibrant setting, with easy access to Charlottesville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.