WARDROBE & COSTUME SHOP ASSISTANT (PART-TIME)

Reports to: Wardrobe Manager and Wardrobe Supervisor
Compensation: $15.90 per hour
Classification: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (approximately 20 hours per week, up to 29 Hours per Week)
Location: Staunton, Virginia (On-Site)
Position Available Beginning: On or about August 10, 2026

The American Shakespeare Center seeks a Wardrobe & Costume Shop Assistant to support both wardrobe and costume shop operations in a fast-paced repertory theatre environment.

Serving as a key bridge between wardrobe and costume shop workflows, this position provides continuity from costume construction and fittings through technical rehearsals and performance runs. Working closely with the Wardrobe Manager, Wardrobe Supervisor, and production staff, the successful candidate will help maintain costumes, support wardrobe operations, assist with costume construction and alterations, and contribute to the successful execution of ASC productions.

This position offers hands-on experience in both wardrobe and costume shop operations within a professional repertory theatre environment, providing opportunities to develop skills across multiple aspects of theatrical production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support wardrobe operations during rehearsals and performances, including costume maintenance, laundry, presetting, quick changes, and backstage wardrobe duties as assigned.
Assist with costume construction, alterations, fittings, and repairs for ASC productions.
Help maintain costumes throughout production runs, ensuring garments remain performance-ready.
Assist with the organization and maintenance of costume stock, supplies, equipment, and workspaces.
Provide support for both wardrobe and costume shop operations based on departmental needs and production priorities.
Serve as a key point of continuity between costume construction, technical rehearsals, and performance runs.
Work collaboratively with wardrobe staff, costume shop personnel, performers, and production teams.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Skills and Experience:

Experience in costume construction, sewing, wardrobe, costume maintenance, or related theatrical costume work preferred.
Familiarity with sewing equipment, garment construction techniques, and basic costume repairs.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to shifting production priorities.
Comfort working both backstage and in a costume shop environment.
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with performers, production staff, and fellow crew members.
Experience working in theatre, costume shops, educational theatre, or related settings is a plus.
Familiarity with repertory theatre, wardrobe run crews, or backstage operations is helpful but not required.
Interest in Shakespeare, repertory theatre, and live performance is welcomed but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE

Work Setting: On-site at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, Virginia.
Schedule & Hours: This is a part-time position averaging approximately 20 hours per week, with a maximum of 29 hours per week. Weekly hours and schedules will vary based on production needs. Typical scheduling may include Tuesday–Sunday availability, including evenings and weekends.
Supervision: This position supports both wardrobe and costume shop operations and receives day-to-day direction from the Wardrobe Manager and Wardrobe Supervisor based on assigned duties and production needs.
Overtime: Any overtime must be approved in advance and will be compensated in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 20lbs and perform the physical duties associated with costume shop and backstage wardrobe work, including standing, bending, reaching, climbing stairs, and working on your feet for extended periods.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation: $15.90 per hour, paid bi-weekly.
Benefits: Part-time employees may be eligible for select ASC employee privileges, including complimentary ASC performance tickets and a discount on Blackfriars Playhouse Gift Shop merchandise, in accordance with ASC policy. This part-time position is not eligible for ASC-sponsored full-time employee benefits. Any legally required benefits or protections will be administered in accordance with applicable law and ASC policy.
Housing & Transportation: Employees are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply through the following application form: Wardrobe & Costume Shop Assistant Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled with an anticipated start date on or about August 10, 2026.

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.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SHAKESPEARE CENTER

The American Shakespeare Center is a nonprofit theatre company based in Staunton, Virginia, and home to the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s Blackfriars Playhouse. ASC advances understanding, imagination, and community by illuminating Shakespeare through performance, research, and education in the Blackfriars Playhouse and beyond.