Costume Attendants
What is a Costume Attendant?
A Costume Attendant is a professional responsible for the care, maintenance, and organization of costumes used in theatrical productions, film, television, and other performance arts. They play a crucial role in ensuring that costumes are clean, well-maintained, and ready for use during performances. The job of a Costume Attendant involves tasks such as fitting costumes on performers, making minor repairs, and assisting with quick changes during shows. They work closely with costume designers and wardrobe supervisors to understand the artistic vision behind the costumes while ensuring that practical aspects such as comfort and functionality are addressed for the performers. Additionally, Costume Attendants may manage costume inventory, organize storage, and ensure that all garments are in optimal condition. Their behind-the-scenes work is essential for the overall success of any production, contributing to the visual storytelling that enhances the audience's experience.
Tasks
- Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
- Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
- Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
- Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
- Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
Technology Skills
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Office suite software
- Word processing software
- Internet browser software
Tools Used
- Domestic sewing machines
- Hand sewing needles
- Dry cleaning machines
- Bar code reader equipment
- Tape measures
Knowledge
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
- Prepare operational reports or records.
- Arrange items for use or display.
- Maintain supply or equipment inventories.
- Design costumes or cosmetic effects for characters.
Work Interests
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Artistic
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$33430.0 - $95070.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.