JOB DETAILS

Assistant Costume Director

CompanyMilwaukee Repertory Theater
LocationMilwaukee
Work ModeOn Site
PostedMarch 17, 2026
About The Company
Milwaukee Rep is the largest performing arts organization in Wisconsin in terms of audiences served and one of the largest professional theaters in the country. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, each year Milwaukee Rep welcomes 300,000 people at 700 performances of 15 productions ranging from compelling dramas, powerful classics, new plays and full-scaled musicals in its three unique performance venues – the Quadracci Powerhouse, Stiemke Studio and Stackner Cabaret. For over 65 years, Milwaukee Rep has gained a national reputation as an incubator of new work, an agent of community change and a forward-thinking provider of vital arts education programs.
About the Role

Description

Position Summary:

The Assistant Costume Director (ACD) is responsible for assisting the Costume Director in the day-to-day management of the costume shop. This position acts as the information hub for shop staff; generating all paperwork needed for the design, build, and maintenance of the costumes for Milwaukee Rep productions and events. The ACD is also responsible for managing costume donations and rentals. The ACD is part of a collaborative team of artists dedicated to achieving the highest production values possible.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Include:

  • Acquire a thorough understanding of the Costume Designer’s vision, with a strong knowledge of the script, context of design and other relevant aspects for each production
  • Take note of all special staging or stage business that may require costumes to be built or rigged in a specific manner
  • Work with the Costume Director to schedule and prioritize work flow in the costume shop
  • Work with the Costume Director to submit requests for costume, hair, and wig fittings
  • Act as a point person for all costume shop employees regarding production work
  • Act as the main contact point for all external costume rentals
  • Monitor and responds to rehearsal reports on behalf of the costume shop
  • Monitor safety issues in relation to costume pieces and address concerns from actors in coordination with the Costume Director
  • Document fitting notes and images so that it is easily accessible to designers, shop staff, and the wardrobe supervisor.
  • Assist in the transition of the show from the shop to the theatre and help facilitate the running and maintenance of each show.
  • Attend technical rehearsals and previews as a costume shop representative as assigned
  • Coordinate with Development, Marketing, and Education Departments or any external groups for non-production costume needs
  • Attend all shop meetings
  • Participate in educational and outreach events
  • Assist with the Curtain Call Ball as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications:

At least 2 years of experience working in a professional costume shop. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as experience with databases or data management software a plus. ACD will be detail oriented, able to multitask multiple projects simultaneously, and communicate well with a diverse group of colleagues; all while exhibiting grace and good humor under pressure.

  • Well rounded understanding of the principles of costume design
  • Strong knowledge of periods and styles throughout history
  • Strong skills in Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Experience with budget reconciliation
  • Ability to work nights and weekends
  • Valid drivers license and clean driving record

Physical Conditions:

The physical conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to

successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and the ability to discern color and fine detail
  • Able to lift 20 pounds unassisted
  • Licensed and able to safely operate a motor vehicle
  • Must be able to climb stairs
Key Skills
Costume Design VisionScript AnalysisWorkflow PrioritizationCostume FittingsExternal Rentals ManagementRehearsal MonitoringSafety MonitoringFitting DocumentationShow TransitionTechnical RehearsalsDepartment CoordinationBudget ReconciliationMultitaskingCommunicationDetail OrientedGrace Under Pressure
Categories
Art & DesignCreative & MediaAdministrativeManagement & Leadership
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Assistant Costume Director supports the Costume Director in daily shop management, acting as the information hub by generating necessary paperwork for design, build, and maintenance of costumes for productions and events. This role also manages costume donations and rentals while collaborating with artists to achieve high production values.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
200
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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