Will “Costumer” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Select, fit, and take care of costumes for cast members, and aid entertainers. May assist with multiple costume changes during performances.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 39-3092.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 50,470.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 24.00
• Currently, there are 6,640 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Costume Attendants”.

Also Known As…

• Costume Attendants
• Wardrobe Supervisor
• Wardrobe Manager
• Wardrobe Attendant
• Wardrobe Assistant
• Dresser
• Draper
• Costumer
• Costume Shop Manager
• Costume Seamstress
• Costume Draper
• Wardrobe Technician
• Wardrobe Stylist
• Wardrobe Specialist
• Wardrobe Mistress
• Wardrobe Custodian
• Item Repair Manager
• Costuming Supervisor
• Costumer Assistant
• Costume Technician
• Costume Specialist
• Costume Shop Coordinator
• Costume Mistress
• Costume Director
• Costume Cutter
• Clothing Supervisor

Tasks for “Costumer”

• Clean and press costumes before and after performances and perform any minor repairs.
• Inventory stock to determine types or conditions of available costuming.
• Return borrowed or rented items when productions are complete and return other items to storage.
• Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
• Participate in the hiring, training, scheduling, or supervision of alteration workers.
• Distribute costumes or related equipment and keep records of item status.
• Review scripts or other production information to determine a story's locale or period, as well as the number of characters and required costumes.
• Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
• Care for non-clothing items, such as flags, table skirts, or draperies.
• Recommend vendors and monitor their work.
• Purchase, rent, or requisition costumes or other wardrobe necessities.
• Monitor, maintain, or secure inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup, providing keys or access to assigned directors, costume designers, or wardrobe mistresses/masters.
• Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
• Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.
• Study books, pictures, or examples of period clothing to determine styles worn during specific periods in history.
• Assign lockers to employees and maintain locker rooms, dressing rooms, wig rooms, or costume storage or laundry areas.
• Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
• Collaborate with production designers, costume designers, or other production staff to discuss and execute costume design details.
• Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
• Direct the work of wardrobe crews during dress rehearsals or performances.
• Provide managers with budget recommendations and take responsibility for budgetary line items related to costumes, storage, or makeup needs.

Related Technology & Tools

• Personal computers
• Multipurpose sewing machines
• Data input scanners
• Thimbles
• Sewing needles
• Labelmakers
• Sergers
• Hot glue guns
• Laptop computers
• Combination pliers
• Commercial dryers
• Portable ironing boards
• Dry cleaning equipment
• Garment steamers
• Measuring tapes
• Mobile radios
• Commercial washing machines
• Walking foot machines
• Portable electric fabric cutters
• Electric irons
• Tablet computers
• Fabric pressing equipment
• Multi tools

• Garment tracking software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Database software
• Microsoft Word
• Web browser software