Description:
Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is a 20-acre theme park featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and over three dozen rides opening Summer of 2026.
The Costuming Assistant/Seamstress supports the Creative Costuming Manager in the daily operations of the COTALAND Costume Department. This role is responsible for assisting with the construction, alteration, repair, cleaning, and maintenance of costumes used for COTALAND’s costumed character fleet, live shows, strolling performers, guest performers, and special events. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume theme park entertainment environment where show-quality presentation is essential.
Requirements:
Requirements & Essential Functions:
- Assist with costume construction, sewing, alterations, repairs, and finishing to support entertainment offerings and operational needs.
- Perform routine and emergency repairs to ensure costumes remain show-ready for daily performances and character appearances.
- Assist with fittings and costume adjustments for performers, including documenting changes and maintaining sizing notes.
- Support the cleaning, laundering, steaming/pressing, deodorizing, stain removal, and proper storage of costumes and wardrobe pieces.
- Maintain show-quality standards by ensuring costume pieces are clean, organized, and performance-ready before and after use.
- Assist with maintaining costume inventory, tracking items, labeling storage, and organizing stock and supplies.
- Help prepare costume pieces for rehearsals, performances, special events, and guest performer engagements.
- Support the maintenance and organization of the costume shop, including workstations, tools, equipment, and fabric/supply storage.
- Assist with receiving and organizing delivered costumes, fabrics, accessories, and costume-related materials.
- Communicate wardrobe issues or repair needs promptly to the Creative Costuming Manager.
- Maintain professionalism and discretion when working backstage and around performers, guests, and park operations.
- Assist with additional Entertainment Department duties as assigned, based on operational needs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of fabrics, trims, accessories, and garment construction methods.
- Working knowledge of pattern making basics, hems, closures, zippers, snaps, hook-and-eye, and reinforcement techniques.
- Ability to operate industrial and/or domestic sewing machines safely and efficiently.
- Strong hand-sewing skills and attention to detail for finishing and repairs.
- Working knowledge of cleaning and costume care best practices including laundering, stain removal, steaming/pressing, and proper storage.
- Ability to follow instructions, adapt quickly to changing priorities, and work efficiently under deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to keep work areas and storage spaces neat and functional.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors and team members.
Competencies:
Communication and Teamwork
- Ability to collaborate effectively with costuming staff, wardrobe support, performers, and Entertainment leadership.
- Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions in English.
Problem Solving
- Ability to identify costume issues quickly and apply practical solutions under time constraints.
- Ability to remain calm and focused when responding to urgent costume needs during operating hours.
Physical and Scheduling Requirements
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, reach overhead, and work on ladders or step stools as needed.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to work indoors in a costume shop environment and occasionally outdoors as needed for event or operational support.
- Must be available to work a flexible schedule based on park operating hours and business needs.
- Availability must include weekends, holidays, early mornings, late evenings, and seasonal event peak periods.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed primarily in a costume shop/wardrobe environment with moderate noise levels.
- May include occasional exposure to backstage spaces, event environments, and operational park settings.
Basic Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in sewing, wardrobe, costuming, alterations, or related work preferred (theatrical, entertainment, or apparel experience is a plus).
- Experience supporting live entertainment, theatrical productions, theme parks, or special events is preferred.
- Ability to stand, sit, use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to lift and/ or move up to 40 pounds.
- Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull.
- Ability to stand/walk for long periods.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
- Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.
Salary commensurate with experience.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.
