Costume Manager

City Theatre Company, Pittsburgh’s leading professional theater dedicated to new plays, seeks to hire a COSTUME MANAGER. The position is hourly, non-exempt, and full-time from August through May each season. 

The Costume Manager is an integral area head as well as lead craftsperson, managing workflow and part-time costume and wardrobe personnel for five subscription shows and City Theatre’s annual Young Playwright’s Festival. The position works closely with production management, artistic teams, stage management, cast members, and other administrative and production staff. City Theatre has a full-time production staff of nine (seven of whom are area heads); a roster of 8-12 part-time overhire artisans, technicians, and production assistants; and two resident stage managers.

Principle responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to:

Shop & Resource Management 

• Oversight of the costume shop’s daily operation and workflow
• Maintenance of shop equipment and safety, costume inventory, and supply stocks
• Manage show and supply budgets in coordination with production management
• Processing of expense documentation and returns in a timely manner

Process Management

• Communication of shop practices and methodology with collaborators
• Creation of plots, tracking documents, piece lists, and other costume show paperwork
• Scheduling fittings and hair and nail appointments in coordination with stage management; supervising and, if necessary, leading fittings
• Management of costume notes, maintenance, and laundering
• Supporting the costume designer and wardrobe crew during technical rehearsals 

Technical Execution & Construction

• Costume construction and alteration; costume purchasing/shopping and returns
• Wig styling and maintenance
• Makeup purchasing and ability to train actors and crew on the application of theatrical makeup
• Coordination of rental pulls and returns

Leadership & Supervision

• Hiring, training, and supervision of part-time costume shop assistants and wardrobe crew
• Hiring and management of specialized artisans when projects require outside expertise
• Building relationships with local theatre organizations and educational institutions in order to strengthen a sense of reciprocity and recruit talent
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive work environment

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A commitment to the organization’s values, which include Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility; a willingness to engage in professional training and self-reflection related to the organization’s anti-racism commitments
• Excellent communication, time management, and resource management skills; the ability to manage and effectively prioritize overlapping projects
• Experience supervising and training costume and wardrobe staff
• Enthusiasm for fostering both high quality work and a positive, supportive environment
• A thorough knowledge of costume construction processes as well as experience purchasing and shopping for contemporary plays
• Familiarity with specialty techniques such as dyeing, distressing, fabric painting, wig styling, and theatrical makeup.

Requirements of this position:

• Availability to work evening and weekend hours during tech rehearsals
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle
• Ability to safely move and transport costume containers and materials weighing up to approximately 40lbs
• Ability to perform detailed costume work for extended periods, which may include standing, sitting, bending and other repetitive movements
• Ability to safely access and organize costume inventory storage, which may include use of ladders

Reporting & Compensation:

The position reports directly to the Production Manager. It is an hourly, full-time, non-exempt (overtime-eligible) position active from August to May each season. The pay rate is $22/hour plus a competitive benefits package, including a 100% employer-covered health plan, optional vision, dental, and FSA plans, and paid vacation and holiday leave. Employee health care coverage is maintained during furlough periods. 

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, résumé, and portfolio images (or website links) through the City Theatre hiring portal available under “Auditions & Employment” on the organization’s website; or, alternatively, send materials via email to [email protected]. For more information about City Theatre, visit CityTheatreCompany.org. No phone calls, please.

Please use your cover letter - which may be addressed to Production Manager Rachel D’Amboise - to share what you hope to bring to this role, and how your background and experience respond to the desired skills and qualities. Applications will be accepted through June 21, 2026.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend only to apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. So, whether you're returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.

ABOUT CITY THEATRE:

City Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and equitable environment and we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) candidates. In building an equitable work environment, the organization values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skill sets. City Theatre does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. City Theatre is committed to building a team that reflects its values and encourages all interested candidates to apply.

Founded in 1975, City Theatre is in its 51st season as Pittsburgh’s home for bold new plays. Located in the historic South Side on its four-building cultural campus, the company produces a season of regional and world premieres; its renowned Young Playwrights Festival, now in its 26th year; a season-long reading series of new works in progress; and the annual Momentum Festival. City Theatre’s mission is to provide an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays that engage and challenge a diverse audience. Its vision is to be the finest mid-sized theater in America. Organizational core values are: Community; Collaboration; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility; and Creativity. With an annual average operating budget of over $3.3M, City Theatre is the largest performing arts organization not located in Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District and is a constituent and core member of the League of Resident Theaters (LORT), Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and the National New Play Network (NNPN). Clare Drobot serves as Artistic Director alongside Managing Director James McNeel. The current full-time staff numbers 23 with over 125 additional part-time, artist, and contractor staff employed each season. City Theatre is governed by a board of 22 community volunteers (Barbara Rudiak, board president). Learn more at CityTheatreCompany.org