Costume / Wardrobe Assistant Intern

Reports to: Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor 

Summer Work Schedule: Tuesday-Sunday during Festival Season (May-August)  

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through February 27, 2026 or until filled. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Costume / Wardrobe Assistant Intern will be working in the Costume Shop with the Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor, three Stitcher / Dressers, and one other intern for several hours every day. In this capacity, this role will assist in the preparation and running of costumes for the 2026 Festival Season. 

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Collaborate closely with the Costume Shop Manager to pull costume pieces from existing stock and transport them to the Costume Shop, dressing rooms, or the Foundry Rehearsal Building as needed. 


• Participate in the setup, cleaning, and organization of the Costume Shop and dressing rooms, ensuring they are well-prepared for fittings and performances. 


• Assist in fittings as assigned by the Costume Shop Manager, Contribute to alterations and construction of garments, as well as related craft projects, under the guidance of the Costume Shop Manager. 


• Work on the wardrobe crew backstage during shows and performances, assisting with costume changes and maintaining costume integrity throughout. 


• Assist with general departmental strike and cleaning at the end of the season, including restocking costume pieces to storage rooms. 


• Handle laundry, repairs, and general maintenance of costumes after and between performances. 


• The person in this position moves across and around Central City’s mountain environment multiple times daily, including traversing steep hills, unpaved areas, and tight corners. 

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

An ideal candidate will be an organized and detail-oriented individual who wants to excel in assisting with all aspects of costumes for productions. They have a strong ability to follow instructions, work efficiently under pressure, and support the team in a fast-paced environment. With a basic understanding of theatrical costuming and show running, the intern is adaptable and quick to assist with last-minute changes or adjustments. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a professional attitude are essential, as well as the ability to maintain a clean and organized work area. A  willingness to learn and be a friendly face are also key for success in this role. 

QUALIFICATIONS

•  A basic understanding of sewing and garment construction is preferred but not required. Experience with hand-stitching, using a sewing machine, and fabric manipulation is a plus. 


• A genuine interest in theater and costume design, even if it’s limited to school or volunteer work. 


• Any prior involvement in costume creation, alterations, or backstage work, even in non-professional settings (such as school plays, community theater, or personal projects), can be beneficial. 


• A strong desire to learn and improve. 


• An eye for detail when working with costumes, whether in construction or when assisting performers with costume changes. 


• Physical dexterity and the ability to handle fabric and tools. 


• Ability to keep things tidy, organized, and ready for use, particularly with costumes and wardrobe supplies. 


• Ability to communicate clearly with both team members and performers. 


• Comfortable using basic sewing tools, adjusting costumes, and assisting with quick changes. 


• Ability to work for long hours, sometimes standing or moving around quickly during rehearsals or performances. 


• Willingness to take on different tasks as needed in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. 


• Understanding of how to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a theater setting, especially as show dates approach. 


• Ability to think ahead and maintain self-driven initiative 


• Comfortable taking direction from senior staff, such as the Costume Shop Manager, costume designers, stitchers, dressers, or directors, and executing tasks accurately. 


• Clear and effective communication with the production team and actors to understand and address their needs in a timely manner. 


• Ability to work long hours, particularly during rehearsal periods and live performances, while maintaining focus and energy. 


• Comfortable working in a collaborative setting and supporting a diverse team to ensure the success of each production. 

COMPENSATION

For this role, Central City Opera can provide a fee of $800.00 per week for eleven (11) weeks. Dates of work are May 26 through August 7, 2026. Exact dates can be flexible for the right candidate. 

 In addition, CCOHA will provide rent-free housing accommodations and a prepaid, round-trip air coach ticket, or its cash-equivalent, for transportation from city of residence or engagement en route and return to city of residence.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 

CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values, and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company-wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.