Costume Attendants
Costume attendants are the behind-the-scenes heroes who make sure actors look perfect on stage and screen. They select, fit, and maintain all the costumes, helping with quick costume changes during performances and keeping detailed records using digital systems and apps. This job combines creativity with organization skills, and you can work in theaters, film studios, or TV productions. Many costume attendants start with fashion design, theater arts, or even business courses, and often work in collaborative, fast-paced environments where teamwork is essential.
Did you know?
Costume attendants often work long, irregular hours during productions and must be prepared for physically demanding tasks like lifting heavy costumes and working in cramped backstage areas.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$47,600 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast growing
Top skill
Speaking
Things to consider
Geographic Concentration
Most opportunities are concentrated in major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta, requiring relocation or willingness to travel for work.
Networking and Relationship Building
Success in this field heavily depends on building strong professional relationships within the entertainment industry, as many positions are filled through personal connections and referrals.
Key responsibilities
Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
Return borrowed or rented items when productions are complete and return other items to storage.
Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
Provide managers with budget recommendations and take responsibility for budgetary line items related to costumes, storage, or makeup needs.