Costume Assistant

Now Hiring:
Costume Assistant

Department: Costume

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

Union: IATSE Local 154

Expected dates: 2/2/2026 - 10/31/2026

Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00am–6:00pm (overtime with approval)

Location: Ashland / Talent, OR

Pay rate: $24.91, subject to change upon ratification of a new CBA

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking a collaborative and detail-oriented Costume Assistant to support the work of our Costume Department across both the Costume Shop and Costume Rentals. This role is ideal for someone early in their costume career who enjoys hands‑on work, thrives in a fast‑paced environment, and is excited to support world‑class theatre through organization, craftsmanship, and teamwork.

As a Costume Assistant, you’ll provide essential support to Costume Project Managers and the Costume Rentals team during production builds and rental operations. From preparing garments and organizing fittings to packing and shipping rental orders, your work will help ensure costumes are performance‑ready, accurately documented, and beautifully maintained. You’ll also play a role in fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful work environment aligned with OSF’s IDEA values.

• Assist Costume Project Managers and the Costume Rentals Administrator with daily operations in the shop and rental spaces.
• Fill costume rental orders using Rental Tracker Pro, including selecting, packing, and shipping garments and accessories.
• Update and maintain costume rental inventory by writing descriptions and photographing items.
• Organize, restock, relabel, and maintain rental and shop inventory.
• Support pre‑show build preparation, fittings, and documentation (measurements, fitting notes, dressing sheets, and piece lists).
• Process fabrics and garments; clean and sanitize costumes and accessories as needed.
• Assist with load‑ins, load‑outs, strikes, and supply deliveries between Ashland and Talent campuses.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of shared shop spaces, equipment, and supply areas.

• Have at least 1 year of experience assisting costume designers or working in costume rentals.
• Be able to prioritize tasks, follow instructions, and adapt to changing needs.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, including around body proportions, hair textures, skin tones, and gender expression.
• Have a foundational understanding of textiles, costume styling, color relationships, and costume materials.
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and cloud‑based collaboration systems.
• Value teamwork, confidentiality, and maintaining a safe, inclusive working environment.

• Knowledge of global garment and costume history.

• Ability to lift and move items up to 30 lbs occasionally.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and climb stairs as needed.
• Schedule may adjust during peak production periods; overtime requires approval.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three‑day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musical, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country.

OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world‑class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.

• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees—through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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