Overhire Costume Assistant

STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

Costume Shop Over-hire - Costume Assistant

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking applications for temporary over-hire positions in the Costume Shop. This is a rolling application: applicants will be considered for various projects as needed throughout the 2026-27 Season, with the earliest potential start date falling in July of 2026 and the latest in May 2027. We anticipate hiring four Costume Assistant contracts total throughout the season. The Steppenwolf Costume Shop functions under the shared values of curiosity, communication, mutual respect, and excellence.

This position reports to the Costume Shop Director.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Work in a team environment to source and shop a wide variety of costumes and costume build materials.
• Assist in checking-in purchased costume pieces and build materials, organizing racking area, and prepping pieces for fittings.
• Work closely with the costume administration team during fittings and tech.
• Assist in generating paperwork, pulling from stock, documenting purchases, and attending meetings as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Strong verbal communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team and learn new systems.
• Experience working within a budget and handling receipts.
• Adaptable and responsive to changes in a fast-paced environment.           

Compensation:  

Hourly rate for this position is $22.55-$25.00 per hour, depending on position and experience. This position is not eligible for benefits.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials by May 15, 2026. Please note that applications that do not include all materials will not be considered.

• Cover letter detailing interest and general availability
• Resume
• Three professional references

NO PHONE CALLS OR IN-PERSON INQUIRIES PLEASE.  

About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier Ensemble Theater with 49 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions — from Balm in Gilead and Grapes of Wrath to August: Osage County, Downstate and The Brother/Sister Plays — have made this theatre legendary. Founded in 1976, Steppenwolf started as a group of teens performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 14 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair, Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the landscape of acting and performance.  

Steppenwolf Mission: 

Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world, steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr. 

Steppenwolf Core Values: 

Equity Inclusion
Integrity Curiosity
Courage Collaboration
Accountability Leadership

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Steppenwolf complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Salary : $23 - $26