Wardrobe/Costume Intern - Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Seasonal | Full-Time | September 6, 2026 through May 9, 2027 | $15.00/hr | Open Until Filled
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is seeking a Wardrobe/Costume Intern to join our production team for the upcoming season at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. This is a full-time, 10-month position with a primary emphasis on wardrobe operations and show running, designed for an early-career artist ready to work at the professional level.
About Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Now in our 38th season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) is one of the Southeast+rsquo;s leading professional theaters, located in the heart of Orlando at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. With an annual operating budget of $6,000,000, Orlando Shakes produces a 10-show season spanning classic Shakespeare, contemporary plays, new American works, and our beloved annual production of A Christmas Carol. We employ professionals from across the country, including members of Actors' Equity Association, United Scenic Artists, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Our four performance spaces +mdash; the Margeson Theater (324 seats), Goldman Theater (118 seats), Santos-Dantin Theater (65 seats), and Mandell Theater (100 seats) - host a full year-round season alongside robust educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the broader community. Orlando Shakes operates in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF).
About the Intern Training Program
Orlando Shakes is excited to relaunch its Intern Training Program, offering early-career theater artists the opportunity to earn professional credits and hands-on training to help bridge the gap between university theater and the professional world. Our program is designed for emerging artists - typically those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree - who are ready to take the next step toward a professional career in theater.
Program participants work alongside our resident production staff, guest designers, and directors, gaining real-world experience, industry contacts, career mentorship, and a deeper respect for all aspects of professional theater production. If you want to work and train at one of the nation's best Shakespeare theaters, this is the internship for you.
Position Description
The Wardrobe/Costume Intern is a show-running focused position, with approximately 90% of time spent running wardrobe for productions and 10% supporting costume shop operations. Under the supervision of the Wardrobe Supervisor and Costume Shop Manager, this intern will develop deep hands-on expertise in the full wardrobe process - from first dress through closing night - across Orlando Shakes' full production season.
Responsibilities Include:
- Handle all wardrobe duties for every production to which you are assigned, including preset, quick changes, track maintenance, and post-show care
- Serve as wardrobe running crew for assigned productions throughout the run
- Assist with wig and hair preparation, maintenance, and upkeep for all productions
- Participate in all dress rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and note sessions as required
- Assist with maintenance, repair, and daily upkeep of costumes, wigs, and accessories during production runs
- Assist with laundry, steaming, pressing, and garment care throughout the season
- Assist with the build, alteration, and construction of costumes as assigned by the Costume Shop Manager (approximately 10% of time)
- Assist with costume fittings as needed
- Assist with costume strike, storage, cleaning, and the return of rented or borrowed items
- Help maintain an organized, clean, and safe wardrobe and costume shop environment
- Attend all technical rehearsals, production meetings, and calls as required
- Assist in all load-ins and strikes across the season
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Wardrobe Supervisor, Costume Shop Manager, or other management designee
Requirements:
- Recent undergraduate degree in Theater, Costume Design, Technical Theater, or related field, or equivalent training/experience
- Interest in wardrobe operations and running shows at the professional level
- Basic sewing skills and familiarity with costume construction techniques
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work under pressure
- Collaborative, professional, and eager to learn
- Ability to safely lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
- Night and weekend availability required; must be available for the entire season
- Must have reliable personal transportation; housing is not provided
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience running wardrobe for professional or university productions
- Experience with quick changes, including dressing and wardrobe tracking
- Familiarity with wig handling, hair, and stage makeup
- Experience with hand sewing, machine sewing, or costume craft
- Knowledge of period costuming, historical styles, and fabric care
Program Details
- Full-time, 10-month seasonal positions (September 6, 2026 through May 9, 2027)
- $15.00 per hour
- Night and weekend availability is required
- Housing is NOT provided; you must have your own transportation to and from work
- You must be available for the entire season in order to be considered
- Summer positions are not currently offered
Our Commitment to Diversity
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is committed to diverse and inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, ages, and perspectives. We particularly welcome Orlando and Florida-based candidates as part of our commitment to supporting our local artistic community.
How to Apply
Send a current resume, cover letter, and references (with email contact) as a single PDF to jobs@orlandoshakes.org. Please include "Your Name" and "Wardrobe/Costume Intern" in the subject line.
No Phone Calls Please.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is an equal opportunity employer.
