Costume Jobs in the Theatre Industry (USA)

[@Thermoman56]

Can't believe I had not seen this until now. Coming out of industrial textiles/manufacturing....definitely enjoyed this video. Not that I'm big into job titles per se, communicating with "costume" folks in theatre and beyond for several years now I often had difficulty in determining someone's actual role, function and or responsibility. Thanks for some clarification.

[@LaBricoleuse]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@sydneydematteis-geib645]

What a lovely and informative video. As someone who works in the American theater world I have been known to be hired as say the costume designer but also perform the duties of a Draper/Cutter/stitcher. Or I have been hired specifically as an assistant costume designer but also maintained the duties of a firsthand and a stitcher. Is that normal to be juggling multiple titles? It has been in my experience…

[@LaBricoleuse]

That’s an excellent question! I think it’s definitely tied to the budget and size of the production/theater, where you see the blending of positions. For example, when I worked at the Los Angeles Opera, that costume shop had about 70 employees so you had several people in all these positions. At the theater where I work now, I’m the Craftsperson and also responsible for Millinery and Dyeing.

[@sydneydematteis-geib645]

@@LaBricoleuse that makes so much sense! I work mostly in small theaters. In your opinion do like working with larger or smaller theaters/operas?

[@LaBricoleuse]

@@sydneydematteis-geib645 I love working in large shops! I appreciate the opportunity to focus on my specialization and being part of such a large team. Which do you prefer?

[@sydneydematteis-geib645]

@@LaBricoleuse I enjoy small theaters for the unique thrill of mastering a bunch of new skills all at once. But it sure is nice to have all the help and experience of a larger group.