The American Shakespeare Center (Staunton, VA) is seeking a COSTUME TECHNICIAN / SHOP HAND for our 2026 artistic year, beginning with the Spring 2026 Repertory Season.
The ASC was formed in 1988 in Central Virginia, and in 2001 the Blackfriars Playhouse was built - the world's only recreation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre.
Reporting to the Design Assist and the Production Manager, the COSTUME TECHNICIAN / SHOP HAND maintains the health and efficiency of the costume shop, and is crucial the the build and construction of a costume design at the ASC.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Work in a team setting to implement the vision of the Costume Designer through, but not limited to, patterning, cutting, stitching, finishing, distressing, dyeing and fabricating costume pieces and accessories
Assists in the creation and interpretation of patterns as designed by the Costume Designer and assigned by the Design Assist.
Collaborates with Costume Designer on execution of design.
Assist with costume construction and alterations.
Attends fittings and assists as necessary.
Assists with taking measurements and keeping an accurate and up-to-date costume bible for current productions.
Create costume patterns of designer's renderings using draping, drafting, and/or commercial patterns.
Cut garments and communicate construction plans clearly to Costume Team.
Assists with any maintenance of costume during the performance period including, but not limited to: repairs, laundry, cobbling, and finding any lost or missing costume items.
Assists in the maintenance and organization of the costume stock, as well as assisting with pulls for shows and any understudies that may need costumes or alterations.
SKILLS / TRAINING:
Demonstrated interest and proficiency in costume construction, alteration, and clothing care techniques. This should include, but not be limited to: pattern draping and drafting, pattern adaptation and alteration, moderate-to-advanced sewing skills, basic sewing machine and serger repair knowledge, basic knowledge of tailoring, embroidery, craftwork, and fabric modification.
Experience in working in a professional theatre environment.
Effective organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
Ability to manage multiple, overlapping productions, projects, and personnel.
Proficiency in operating industrial and domestic sewing machines and sergers.
Basic proficiency in Zoom, Slack, G-mail, and Google Drive.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Lift, push, pull, and load a variety of materials and equipment associated with theater
production.
Work occasionally with paints, dyes, varnishes, and other toxic materials.
Work protracted or irregular hours, including nights and weekends as needed.
Dexterity of hands and fingers
Standing for extended periods of time
Compensation:
$18.00/hr full time non-exempt, seasonal.
Local Applicants Encouraged. Possible housing available for out of town applicants.
Travel Stipend / reimbursement available.
Health and Benefits offered.
PLEASE SUBMIT RESUME AND PORTFOLIO to Thomas J. Coppola, Production Manager at email provided above.
Subject Line: (NAME) Costume Technician Submission
Please include photos of Works-In-Progress (WIPs). This is not a design position, so please show off your skills with building + construction of costumes.
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 at: https://americanshakespearecenter.com/about/
