Costume Shop Overhire

American Stage Company • Saint Petersburg, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

American Stage seeks independent-contractor costume shop and wardrobe crew members for its outdoor production of Into the Woods at Demen's Landing. The overhire positions include First Hand, Stitcher, Crafts Artisan, Wig/Makeup Technician, and Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew. Start dates vary by position. Costume shop build begins January 26, with rehearsals, fittings, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike scheduled through April 28. The production opens March 27 and closes April 26, with 25 performances Wednesday through Sunday over five weeks.

The First Hand cuts garments using commercial and shop-drafted patterns and performs tailoring, advanced sewing, construction, and alterations. Stitchers collaborate on costume construction and alterations, with some crafting. Crafts Artisans create costume pieces such as hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, mechanical costumes, puppets, masks, belts, fans, and purses. Wig/Makeup Technicians style and maintain wigs, hairpieces, and facial hair; theatrical and special-effects makeup knowledge is helpful. Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew members assist performers with costumes, preset backstage changes, execute quick changes, reset costumes after performances, handle laundry and cleaning, and perform light costume repairs.

Candidates should be able to take direction and work collaboratively. Rates vary by position and experience: costume shop roles pay $20 per hour or a flat fee, as applicable, and wardrobe crew is paid $400 weekly. Independent contractors are not eligible for the benefits provided to full- and part-time staff and are expected to follow the organization's code of conduct. To apply, submit a PDF resume with 2–3 references to Costume Shop Manager Sasha Church; a portfolio, website, or examples of work are optional. The employer's stated goal was to hire for the production as soon as possible by January 30, 2026, with rolling starts afterward.

Requirements

• First Hand: Ability to cut garments using commercial and shop-drafted patterns, tailoring skills, and advanced sewing and construction skills.
• First Hand: Strong sewing skills for garment construction and alterations.
• Stitcher: Strong stitching skills and ability to collaborate on costume construction and alterations.
• Crafts Artisan: Skills relevant to costume crafts, such as dyeing and painting, millinery, shoes, jewelry, or mask-making.
• Wig/Makeup Technician: Experience styling and maintaining wigs, hairpieces, and facial hair.
• All positions: Ability to take direction and work in a collaborative environment.
• Independent contractors are expected to adhere to American Stage's code of conduct.

Nice To Haves

• First Hand: Experience working with a variety of fabrics and garments.
• First Hand: Previous professional costume shop experience and/or experience sewing for the public.
• Stitcher: Previous costume shop experience and/or professional sewing experience.
• Wig/Makeup Technician: Knowledge of theatrical makeup techniques and special-effects makeup.
• Wig/Makeup Technician: Professional theatrical experience.
• Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew: Wig and makeup experience.
• Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew: Previous professional wardrobe experience.

Responsibilities

• First Hand: Cut garments using commercial and shop-drafted patterns; apply tailoring, sewing, and construction skills to build and alter garments.
• Stitcher: Collaborate on building and altering costumes and perform some crafting.
• Crafts Artisan: Create costume pieces and accessories needed for the production, including items such as hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, mechanical costumes, puppets, masks, belts, fans, and purses.
• Wig/Makeup Technician: Style and maintain wigs, hairpieces, and facial hair for productions.
• Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew: Assist performers into and out of costumes, preset backstage changes, and perform quick changes during shows.
• Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew: Reset costumes after performances, handle laundry and cleaning, and perform light costume repairs as needed.
• Follow direction, collaborate with the team, and adhere to the organization's code of conduct.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed