Independent Costume Designer & Seamstress
Audience of One Youth Theater (Ao1)
Independent Contractor | Production-Based
Audience of One Youth Theater (Ao1) is seeking creative, organized, and collaborative Independent Costume Designersto join our artistic teams on a production-by-production basis.
Ao1 is a Christian youth theater committed to excellence in theater education, meaningful community, and creating an environment where young performers can grow in confidence, creativity, and character. Our Costume Designers are an important part of the storytelling process and work closely with directors, artistic teams, students, families, and parent volunteers to bring each production to life.
Ao1 maintains a high standard of production value across all of its productions. The Independent Costume Designer is an integral member of the artistic and production team and shares in the commitment to achieving that standard. This position is highly hands-on and requires extensive sewing, garment construction, alterations, and costume finishing. Applicants should be comfortable creating, modifying, and repairing costumes throughout the production process.
Position Overview
The Independent Costume Designer is responsible for developing and executing the costume design for an assigned Ao1 production. Working collaboratively with the Director and Ao1 production team, the Costume Designer creates a cohesive visual concept that supports the production's storytelling, characters, and overall artistic vision. This is an independent contractor position hired on a production-by-production basis.
Ao1 maintains a high standard of production value across all of its productions. The Independent Costume Designer is an integral member of the artistic and production team and shares in the commitment to achieving that standard. Through thoughtful design, attention to detail, creativity, and collaboration, the Costume Designer helps ensure each production reflects Ao1's commitment to artistic excellence and quality theater experiences for both our students and audiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Director to understand the vision, style, and costume requirements of the production
- Research historical periods, cultures, characters, and visual references as appropriate to the production
- Develop and present costume concepts for approval and incorporate artistic feedback
- Create and maintain a costume plot for the full cast
- Select appropriate fabrics, materials, accessories, and costume pieces that align with the production vision and budget
- Pull from Ao1's existing costume inventory whenever possible
- Under guidance from the Lead Costumer, source, rent, purchase, construct, or procure additional costume pieces as needed
- Oversee or personally complete costume construction and alterations
- Coordinate and oversee parent volunteers assisting with costume construction or organization
- Conduct cast measurements and fittings, making adjustments to ensure proper fit, comfort, and functionality
- Ensure costumes support the movement, choreography, and practical needs of young performers
- Maintain costumes that align with Ao1's Christian values and current dress code policies
- Develop and manage the approved costume budget
- Maintain production timelines and meet established deadlines for fittings, dress rehearsals, and tech week
- Ensure the majority of costuming is completed prior to tech week
- Attend designated production meetings, fittings, tech rehearsals, and dress rehearsals
- Be available to run and supervise costumes during performances as required by the production
- Oversee costume care and maintenance throughout the production run
- Address costume repairs and adjustments during rehearsals and performances
- Oversee the cleaning, organization, and return of costumes to Ao1 inventory following the production
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in theatrical costume design and construction
- Strong sewing skills, including garment construction, pattern adaptation, alterations, repairs, and costume finishing
- The ability and willingness to sew extensively throughout the rehearsal process. This is not primarily a costume shopping or pulling position—successful candidates should expect to spend a significant amount of time sewing and constructing costumes.
- Experience fitting performers of all ages and body types
- Knowledge of fabrics, notions, trims, closures, and costume construction techniques
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- The ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship
- Experience leading or coordinating volunteers is preferred
- Comfort working with youth performers and families
- A collaborative spirit and willingness to uphold Ao1's Christian mission and values
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
- Experience in theatrical costume design, costuming, sewing, fashion, or a related area
- Strong visual storytelling and design skills
- Sewing, construction, and alteration skills
- Strong organization and time-management skills
- The ability to manage multiple characters, costumes, fittings, and deadlines
- Experience working collaboratively with directors and artistic teams
- The ability to lead and coordinate parent volunteers
- Comfort working with youth performers and families
- Strong communication and creative problem-solving skills
- The ability to work independently while remaining collaborative and responsive
- A willingness to uphold and support the Christian mission and values of Audience of One Youth Theater
Previous youth theater or educational theater experience is preferred.
Schedule & Compensation
This is a 1099 independent contractor position contracted on a production-by-production basis. Schedule and time commitment vary depending on the size and needs of the assigned production.
Compensation is provided as a flat production stipend and will be communicated at the time of contracting.
Designers must be available for agreed-upon fittings, costume deadlines, designated tech and dress rehearsals, and production responsibilities.
Please Note: Ao1 produces high-quality theatrical productions with many custom-built costume pieces. This position involves substantial sewing and costume construction for each production. Applicants should be proficient with a sewing machine and comfortable constructing, altering, and repairing costumes as a regular part of the job.
To Apply
Please submit a resume and brief statement of interest. Applicants are encouraged to include a portfolio, production photos, or examples of previous costume design and construction work.
We are looking for artists who value collaboration, creativity, excellence, and investing in the next generation of theater artists.
Please see posting on the website, along with past production photos at https://www.ao1theater.org/join-our-team
Please see our mission and objectives here: https://www.ao1theater.org/more-about-us
Work Location: In person
