Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Costume Attendant
What costume attendants actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a costume attendant?
Do laundry. From there, the day usually includes fit costumes, do quick changes, and repair costumes. Evenings, weekends and long shoot days.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a costume attendant working full time.
- Do laundry.
- Repair torn seams.
- Press costumes.
- Preset quick-change areas.
- Dress actors.
- Run quick changes.
- Collect and log costumes.
Where costume attendants work
Attendants work backstage, on sets and in wardrobe shops.
Hours and schedule
Evenings, weekends and long shoot days.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Fit costumes
- Do quick changes
- Repair costumes
- Launder and press
- Track continuity
- Organize wardrobe
- Pack for tours
Tools you’ll use every day
- Sewing machines
- Steamers
- Irons
- Hand sewing kits
- Garment racks
- Continuity photos
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Faster-than-average growth
- Backstage excitement
- Short training
- Union jobs
What’s hard
- Late nights
- Fast pressure
- Irregular work
- Standing
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love theater or film
- I can sew
- I stay calm under pressure
- I’m organized
- I don’t mind late nights
- I like teamwork
Not sure? Take the free Costume Attendant fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Keep backstage paths clear
- Handle irons safely
- Use chemicals carefully
- Watch moving scenery