Costume Assistant

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with previous experience in costume shops for the position of Costume Assistant.  This is a seasonal benefits eligible position that will be scheduled for 40 weeks of part-time work (32 hours per week) next season.  The person filling this role will start on or around July 19,2026.  This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about the operations of a costume shop, who is proficient in the use of Excel spreadsheets and basic bookkeeping and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization.  Applicants for this role should have high attention to detail, ability to adapt to adjusting priorities, and time management skills.

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees.  We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities. 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Managing Director Ryan French, Children's Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.

DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene.  The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres.  Minnesota year in and year out ranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy. 

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life.  It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners.  The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America. 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members.  CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community.  We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.  CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Costume Assistant assists the Costume Director in the daily operation and management of the Costume Shop. In consultation with the Costume Director and Costume Designer, the Costume Assistant determines show specific needs for fabric, clothing and costume supplies. This position assists in maintaining show documentation and budgets. The assistant serves as a shopper and design assistant when guest designers are in residence. 

This position reports to the Costume Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Costume Shop Support

• Assist Costume Director with all daily operations
• Communicate daily schedules with both Costume and Crafts shops
• Maintain office supply inventory, filing and daily fitting note distribution
• Set up Costume Bible for each show, prepare lists of accessories and composite measurement sheets
• Use local and online resources for shopping as needed, handle acquisition and returns
• Organize trips to and from costume storage for pulling and return
• Track expenditures and refunds in Costume budget spreadsheet
• Attend technical and dress rehearsals as assigned

Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTC’s goal of being an anti-racist/anti-bias theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

• Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist and/or biased workplace practices and policies
• Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTC’s workplace and the lives of CTC employees
• Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and account for one’s own actions
• Adaptability - Ability to adapt to change in the workplace
• Autonomy - Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Communication – Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and ask questions effectively of others
• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems 
• Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
• Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
• Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
• Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
• Time Management - Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines

Experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of costume shop operations and function
• Demonstrated proficiency in Excel spreadsheets and basic bookkeeping
• Ability to make quick decisions, problem solve and work collaboratively with a positive demeanor
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive in the Twin Cities required

Other Qualities

• A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environment
• A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environment

The starting pay for this position will be in a range from $24.00 to $26.00 per hour.  Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.