Company Overview
The 5th Avenue Theatre+rsquo;s mission is to nurture, advance, and celebrate all aspects of the great art form: the musical. As one of America's premier musical theater companies, The 5th is a major economic driver, playing a key role in the revitalization of downtown Seattle. We produce multiple musicals annually and proudly employ local talent, with 90%+ of our 700 artists living in Washington. Our renowned education programs serve 35,000 K-12 students annually, and our engagement programs facilitate connections between people, organizations, diverse cultures, and various art forms. The 5th is an invaluable treasure to Seattle, and central to America's theatrical landscape; we have originated 26 new musicals, 11 of which have gone on to Broadway and garnered 15 Tony Awards+reg;, including two for Best Musical.

Position: Tailor
Department: Costume
Reports to:  Director, Costume + Wardrobe
FLSA Classification: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Salary: The base pay rate is set by the current IATSE Local 877 CBA contract rate, currently $45.75. Guaranteed minimum 40 hours per week, depending on the shows performed.
Benefits: Benefits are provided through Local 887 according to the terms of the CBA.
Work Locations: Downtown Seattle, The 5th Avenue Theatre costume shop and auditorium, both located within the Skinner Building (1326 5th Avenue)

Position Summary

The Tailor is responsible for creating the patterns used to fabricate a costume for a specific actor using the Costume Designer+rsquo;s sketch as a guide and with discussion and direction from the Costume Designer and Costume, Wardrobe and Hair Director to determine style, special needs, and level and cost of construction. The Tailor supervises a team of First Hand and Stitchers in the construction of the costume from muslin mockup (if needed) through finished garment. The Tailor is also responsible for all alterations to existing costumes whether pulled, purchased or rented and the organization of garments to transfer to stage. The Tailor will be involved in the building and alteration of mainly male presenting clothing but a knowledge of structured women's wear in addition to flat patterning/ tailoring skills is a plus. Demonstrated experience in both period and modern clothing is a necessity as is an understanding of period silhouettes.

This position is represented by IATSE, Local No. 887.



Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Create the patterns used to fabricate a costume for a specific actor through flat patterning or draping.

Cut fabric from patterns for assembly by the team+rsquo;s First Hand and Stitchers.

Advise on need for additional fabric and interfacing (not chosen by the designer) for all costumes under their supervision by quantity, style, and scheduled use so all ordering can be consolidated with other teams+rsquo; needs.

Fit costumes to actor whether built, pulled, purchased or rented, and supervise all necessary alterations.

Supervise and delegate team members to ensure that production of the work is expedited within scheduled deadlines, and in priority order.

Communicate clear and specific instructions to First Hands and Stitchers and collect, digest, and distribute information from production calendars, costume plots, and rehearsals notes.

Demonstrated proficiency in flat pattern making and in draping and the sculptural use of fabric.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience of costume construction techniques including men+rsquo;s and women+rsquo;s tailoring.

Demonstrated advanced knowledge of alterations and various rigging techniques.

Working knowledge of costume history.

Good working knowledge of fabric types, uses, and limitations.

Good basic management skills and interpersonal communication skills.

Effectively communicate and work closely with the design team to understand their vision

Maintain safe working conditions in keeping with AEA, OSHA, and Emergency Response Protocols

Perform work in a manner that is consistent with the 5th Avenue Theatre+rsquo;s Community Agreements.

Participates and actively engages in Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.

Be an active participant in the 5th Avenue Theatre+rsquo;s work towards equity, diversity and inclusion and accountability and becoming an anti-racist organization by participating in all trainings and workshops and actively working implementing learned skills and policies in your department.

This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to future changes/development.


Essential Knowledge and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet the needs of the role.

Proven experience in handling production and design processes on large scale productions, ideally musicals.

Ability to communicate about body types, hair types, skin tones and all genders using respectful, equitable and inclusive language.

An equivalent combination of a Bachelor+rsquo;s Degree in Theatrical Costume Construction and/or Master+rsquo;s Certificate in Couture or Costume Construction from an accredited design school or a minimum of 5 years+rsquo; experience in a professional shop advancing to a Tailor/Cutter position for at least 3 of those years.

Demonstrated creative judgment, excellent problem-solving skills and detail-oriented.

Must be able to meet deadlines and adapt and pivot with changing priorities as well as attend to numerous projects concurrently.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Experience in de-escalating conflict using clear communication, both oral and written.

Foster and maintain a healthy, productive, kind and collaborative work environment

Ability and willingness to always exercise professional courtesy and discretion and maintain confidentiality as required.

Comply with all OSHA regulations for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.

Special Considerations
Work schedule is typically day work but varies with the production schedule and includes periodic overtime, evening, and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to perform administrative tasks using a computer, such as creating and reviewing documents, entering data, and communicating electronically. This may involve sitting at a workstation for extended periods and can be done using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology.


Ability to communicate in person with colleagues across a multi-level facility (including offices, theater, and workshop spaces). This may involve moving between spaces with varied lighting and sound, or asking others to come to a central office location as needed.


Ability to safely use tools requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control, and to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.


This work may involve kneeling, climbing stairs, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive physical tasks during fittings and rehearsals.


The 5th Avenue Theatre is located in the historic Skinner Building and is non-ADA compliant. This role must be able to navigate backstage, basement, and stage door areas without significant assistance.

Application information + Timeline
Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry are strongly encouraged. We are striving for our staff to be inclusive of a diverse and vibrant community that represents multiple identities, perspectives, and influences.



To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and three references by August 3, 2026 that explains your qualifications for the position to careers@5thavenue.org. Please include +ldquo;Tailor+rdquo; in the subject line.

The first round of interviews will be conducted via Zoom the week of August 10, 2026. Final interviews will be either in person or via zoom the week August 17, 2026, with a projected start date of October 12, 2026. Employment is contingent on a background check after an offer of position.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.