A costume attendant works in the costume department for films, theater productions, circuses or other shows. Sewing skills and organizational skills are important, and volunteering with local theater productions can gain valuable experience. Costume attendants can find work with various companies and can advance to become designers or run clothing rental houses.
A costume attendant is a professional who works in the costume department for films, theater productions, circuses or other shows. There is no set path to becoming a costume attendant, although having certain valuable skills can make the process of finding work in this field easier. Costume attendants generally enjoy sewing, but would also benefit greatly from a background in fashion or the performing arts.
In order to become a costume attendant, certain skills are extremely important. Sewing skills are vital for this position; costume attendants are usually responsible for maintaining costumes, making alterations, and even sewing entirely new pieces. Needlework skills can be easily acquired through a few basic lessons and can even be learned at home.
In addition to being able to sew, a person who wants to become a costume attendant will also benefit from organizational skills. During performances, actors or performers may have to change clothes repeatedly, often in just a few minutes. A costume attendant is usually responsible for making sure each costume is ready and complete on time, and may even have to help the actor make a quick change to the next costume. Additionally, costume attendants often have to collect and organize each discarded costume, and may be responsible for washing and repairing costumes after each show.
One way to become a costume attendant is to volunteer with local theater productions or community college theater programs. These groups are often looking for people with needlework skills and a good eye for fit to help in their costume department. Working as a volunteer can gain valuable costume experience, as well as help an ambitious person network for further work. Since many costume attendants work as freelancers, forming a good collegiate relationship can be a great way to increase job opportunities.
Once the basic skills are mastered, a person trying to become a costume designer can find work with theater, dance or performance companies, film or TV production houses, or even universities. These jobs can be short-term, lasting as long as production continues. For a theater production, this might only take a week or two. On a hit TV show, however, a costume attendant might find paid employment for several years.
Some costume designers go on to become designers, using their creative skills and sewing talents to invent fashion lines or movie costumes. Those with managerial talents can advance to running clothing rental houses. Whatever your future path, choosing to become a costume attendant can be the first step towards a permanent and rewarding career in the fashion or performance world.
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