Costume Shop Overhire

Position: Costume Shop Overhire & Wardrobe Crew (First Hand, Stitchers, Crafts, Run Crew, Wigs/Hair/Makeup)
Reports to: Costume Shop Manager
Type of Employment: Independent Contractor- show by show projects
FLSA Status: Exempt from Overtime

Position(s) Summary:
American Stage seeks the following Overhire Costume Area positions for the upcoming production of Into the Woods. Ideal candidates are energetic collaborators motivated to join the costume shop team for our annual outdoor musical performed at Demen's Landing.

First Hand – Ability to cut garments using commercial and shop-drafted patterns, use tailoring skills and be able to execute advanced sewing and construction skills. Strong sewing skills are required to complete garment construction & alterations. The ability to work with a variety of fabrics and garments is a plus. Applicants should be able to take direction and work in a collaborative environment. Previous professional costume shop experience and/or experience sewing for the public preferred.

Stitcher(s) –Strong sewing skills to collaborate in building and altering costumes as well as some crafting. Applicants must have strong stitching skills and ability to take direction. Be able to take direction and work in a collaborative environment. Previous costume shop experience and/or professional sewing experience preferred.

Crafts Artisan(s) –Create costume pieces needed for shows, including, but not limited to, hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, mechanical costumes, puppets, masks, belts, fans, and purses. Experience and skills needed include- dyeing and painting, millinery, shoes, jewelry, mask-making, etc.

Wig/Makeup Technician – Experience in wig styling and maintenance for wigs, hairpieces and facial hair for upcoming productions. Knowledge of theatrical makeup techniques, as well as special effects makeup is a plus. Applicants should be able to take direction and work in a collaborative environment. Professional theatrical experience is preferred.

Wardrobe Run & Maintenance Crew – Dressers will be responsible for assisting performers into and out of costumes, presetting backstage changes, performing quick changes during the show. After the show resetting costumes, laundry/ cleaning, and light repair on costumes as needed. Wigs & make-up experience are a plus. Applicants should be able to take direction and work in a collaborative environment. Previous professional wardrobe experience preferred.

Key Costume Production Info & Dates- Start dates vary depending on position
Costume Shop:
Build Begins/Move In 1/26
First Rehearsal 3/3
Fittings 3/4-3/7 & 3/10-3/14
Designer Run 3/15
Tech Starts 3/17
Costumes Complete 3/20
1st Dress 3/21
2nd Dress Runs 3/22
Final Dress 3/24
Open 3/27
Close 4/26
Strike Wk 4/27

Wardrobe Crew:
Designer Run viewing 3/15
5 days of Tech which starts on 3/17 (detailed breakdown TBD)
25 Performances: 3/25-4/26 Wednesday - Sunday
5 shows for 5 weeks w/ curtain @ 7:30pm
Strike: 4/27- Initial backstage following final performance & Wk 4/28- Costume Shop TBD

Compensation:
Rates vary depending position and experience

Costume Shop Roles: $20 hourly or Flat Fee (as applicable)
Wardrobe Crew: $400 weekly rate

As an independent contractor, this position is exempt from any and all benefits that we provide full and part time staff. As an independent contractor paid by American Stage Theatre Company, you will be expected to adhere to our organization's code of conduct. A copy of this will be sent for your review and signature, prior to commencement of employment.

Organization History:
American Stage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. American Stage does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Founded in 1977, American Stage is Tampa Bay’s longest-running, critically acclaimed professional theatre, committed to its role as a vital arts leader, contributing to the cultural landscape of the region by pursuing innovative programming and deeper connections with our community through our high-quality mainstage productions, our annual American Stage in the Park production, and our robust education and outreach programs. With powerful stories, boldly told, American Stage aspires to make the experience of dynamic, relevant, world-class theatre accessible for all.
At American Stage, we see the empty space as an opportunity for social change & civilized discourse to occur –one of the few sacred places left in a far too noisy, often divided, world where human beings can still sit in the quiet dark together, think a while, & be awakened. To gain a richer connection to the fragility of beauty & pain that exists in all art & life.

Theater of, by, and for all people. Artist-driven, radically inclusive, and fundamentally democratic. Through artistic excellence and the craft of storytelling, American Stage is committed to creating a safe space for multicultural artists to share their full humanity, as we come back to the theatre at this exciting but challenging time. We choose to create a new American Stage that enriches and embodies the rich diversity and cultural tapestry of America and truly reflects the American experience.

To Apply:
Submit the following to Sash Church, Costume Shop Manager, at the following email address: schurch@americanstage.org

• Resume (PDF)- including 2-3 references
• Optional- portfolio, website, and/or examples of your work appreciated

Goal to hire for this production as soon as possible by January 30, 2026.
(Rolling starts following that date 2/1-2/16 thru opening, etc.)