Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia, seeks a Wardrobe Assistant to join a dynamic and diverse team of arts professionals at one of the country’s most admired and accomplished regional ballet companies.
The Wardrobe Assistant works closely with the Costume Director, Costume Shop staff, Dancers, Artistic Staff, and Production team to support seamless costume operations both backstage and in rehearsal environments. This role is essential in helping bring Richmond Ballet’s artistic vision to life through exceptional preparation, organization, and care of costumes. Reporting directly to the Costume Director, the Wardrobe Assistant provides essential backstage and production support to ensure costumes are prepared, maintained, and executed at the highest professional standard for Richmond Ballet performances, rehearsals, and special events.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Performance, Rehearsal & Backstage Costume Production Wardrobe Support
- Assist with backstage wardrobe operations during performances, dress rehearsals, and technical rehearsals
- Prepare costumes and accessories before performances, ensuring all garments are properly organized and performance-ready
- Assist dancers with costume changes, quick changes, and wardrobe needs during performances.
- Maintain costumes throughout performances, including repairs, adjustments, steaming, and resetting costumes between acts
- Monitor costume condition and communicate any issues to the Costume Director
- Assist with post-performance costume care, including hanging, organizing, cleaning, and returning costumes to storage
- Assist the Costume Director and Costume Shop team during production weeks, including fittings, rehearsals, and technical processes
- Support costume preparation for Company, Studio Company, School of Richmond Ballet, and community engagement performances
- Assist with costume pulls, labeling, tracking, and organization
- Help prepare costumes for photo shoots, special events, educational programs, and donor/community activities as assigned
- Assist with load-ins, strikes, and production transitions
- Work closely with the Costume Director and Costume Shop team to support production goals and deadlines.
- Communicate clearly and professionally with dancers, stage management, production staff, and artistic personnel.
- Maintain a calm, solution-oriented approach in the fast-paced environment of live performance.
- Support a culture of professionalism, respect, teamwork, and artistic excellence.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the job classification
Costume Maintenance
- Perform basic costume maintenance, including:
- Hand sewing and minor repairs
- Replacing hooks, snaps, and closures
- Securing embellishments
- Steaming and pressing garments
- Organizing accessories and costume pieces
- Maintain a clean and organized backstage wardrobe area.
- Ensure costumes are handled carefully and returned properly after use.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Reliability and strong work ethic
- Attention to detail and team-oriented mindset
- Professional communication
- Ability to remain organized under pressure
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Commitment to supporting artists and the creative process
- Basic sewing and garment repair skills needed
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced backstage environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Education/Experience:
- Degree or equivalent professional experience in Costume Technology, Theatre Production, Fashion Design, or a related field preferred.
- Previous experience in wardrobe, costume, theater, dance, or live performance preferred.
Employment Details:
Salary and Job Type: Seasonal Full-time, Non-Exempt
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Add, Long-Term Disability, Accidental/Critical Illness, Health Savings Account, 403(b) Retirement Plan
Location: Richmond, VA
Prospective candidates should send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to [email protected].
Richmond Ballet is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a culture of openness and belonging. Richmond Ballet is a drugfree workplace.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
