Costume Design Assistant

Reports To: Director of Production
Job Type: Part-Time In Person
Salary: $25.00 per hour (Non-exempt)

ARTS & LEARNING CONSERVATORY VISION

We exist to make high quality arts, equitable and accessible to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status.
The Arts & Learning Conservatory is a highly awarded, leading after-school arts provider in Orange County. Our high-quality arts programs are accessible to all children regardless of income or background as our goal is to set students up for success in life artistically, academically, and socially. Founded in 2004, the Arts & Learning Conservatory (ALC) has reached over 30,000 children across numerous campuses throughout Southern California.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This dynamic role offers a unique opportunity to blend artistic passion with mentorship, supporting young performers as they explore their creativity on stage. As the Costume Designer Assistant, you will collaborate closely with the Costume Design Lead to bring each production’s costume vision to life—from early design execution to final fittings.
You’ll contribute to the full lifecycle of costuming, including preparation, alteration, and organization of garments for both school and main stage productions. The position involves hands-on work in costume rental coordination, inventory management, garment care, and crafting. Attention to detail and an understanding of basic sewing and costume construction are essential.
In addition to pre-show preparation, you’ll play a key role during tech rehearsals and performances, helping student actors transition between scenes efficiently while ensuring costumes remain intact and performance ready. With task direction provided by the Costume Design Lead, this role demands strong organizational skills, flexibility, and the ability to collaborate across departments in a fast-paced theatrical setting.
Ideal candidates are creative, dependable, and passionate about supporting youth in the arts through behind-the-scenes excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the creation, alteration, maintenance, and organization of costumes for productions and special events.
• Perform hand-stitching and operate sewing machines; support basic stitching and crafting needs.
• Maintain costume integrity through laundering, repairs, dry cleaning, pressing, steaming, and restocking.
• Track costumes during shows, including pre-setting, post-setting, and assisting with quick changes and dressing performers as needed.
• Attend dress rehearsals, production meetings, and support onstage approvals when required.
• Transport costumes between the Costume Studio and various venues.
• Coordinate with Costume Design Leads, team members, and other departments to address workflow or equipment concerns.
• Support the work of the costume design team through inventory organization and upkeep.
• Assist in the creation of costume documentation (e.g., costume sheets, inventory and rental logs).
• Exhibit strong communication skills, professionalism, and collaboration with students, performers, and staff.
• Observe safety protocols and maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive work environment, especially when working with children.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, time management, creativity, and problem-solving in a dynamic production environment.
• Perform administrative or special project support, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong familiarity with the non-profit arts organization business model. Knowledge of, and general experience in theatrical cutting, stitching, and crafts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with working knowledge of safety standards and implementation.
• Experience working with youth in STEAM, theatre or arts programming a plus.
•Associate’s degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theatrical Production, or a related area preferred.
•Sewing and tailoring courses, Costume construction workshops
•Theater production internships or backstage crew work

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•Prolonged periods standing, sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
•Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.

BENEFITS

•Flexible schedule
•Professional development assistance

SCHEDULE

•After school program
•Monday to Friday in person work schedule
•Expected hours: no more than 20 per week, or as needed.


TO APPLY: Please send resumes to [email protected]

Arts & Learning Conservatory is an EEO organization.