Costume Attendants

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Personal Care & Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 39-3092
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Purchase, rent, or requisition costumes or other wardrobe necessities.
• Study books, pictures, or examples of period clothing to determine styles worn during specific periods in history.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Combination pliers, Commercial dryers, Commercial washing machines, Data input scanners, Database software, Dry cleaning equipment, Electric irons, Fabric pressing equipment

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Fashion Designers
• Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
• Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
• Set and Exhibit Designers
• Sewers, Hand
• Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
• Interior Designers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Costume Attendants — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.