Encore A–Z

Costume Coordinator

6 min read

Costume Coordinator

Position Overview

The Costume Coordinator brings creative expertise to develop and realize costume designs within the Costume Designer’s established aesthetic parameters and overall vision. This role combines artistic interpretation with practical execution — making independent creative decisions about costume design and implementation while working within the Costume Designer’s color schemes, period guidelines, texture principles, and overall design vision.

Reports to: Production Manager Collaborates closely with: Costume Designer, Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager

Key Responsibilities

Creative Development and Design Collaboration

  • Collaborate with the Costume Designer to understand aesthetic parameters including color schemes, period guidelines, texture principles, and overall design vision.
  • Work closely with the Director and Choreographer to understand character development, movement requirements, and staging needs.
  • Collaborate with other design team members (Set, Lighting, Sound, Props) to ensure cohesive visual storytelling.

Design Package and Documentation

  • Develop the costume plot detailing all character costume requirements.
  • Maintain mood boards and fabric selections working within the Costume Designer’s visual framework.
  • Build costume breakdown sheets for each character, including quick-change documentation.
  • Maintain a sourcing plan, acquisition strategy, budget breakdown, and implementation timeline.

Sourcing and Implementation

  • Execute costume shopping, rentals, and acquisitions within the Costume Designer’s vision.
  • Make creative decisions about styling details, accessories, and garment modifications within design parameters.
  • Conduct costume fittings with attention to both fit and artistic presentation.
  • Plan quick-change solutions that serve both practical and aesthetic needs.

Rehearsal and Tech Support

  • Provide rehearsal costumes that support character development.
  • Attend designated rehearsals to observe costume needs.
  • Oversee costume integration during technical rehearsals.
  • Handle real-time problem-solving and styling adjustments during tech.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Strong artistic vision and creative problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent collaboration skills with ability to work within established creative frameworks.
  • Experience making creative decisions within defined aesthetic parameters.
  • Ability to work effectively with young artists while maintaining artistic standards.
  • Creative flexibility and attention to visual detail.

Preferred

  • Background in costume design, fashion, or related creative fields.
  • Experience with costume styling and creative implementation.
  • Knowledge of period costume and theatrical costume requirements.
  • Previous experience in costume management with creative responsibilities.
  • Understanding of color theory, fabric selection, and garment construction.
  • Portfolio demonstrating creative costume or styling work.

Personal Qualities

  • Craftsmanship — pride in fit, finish, and presentation.
  • Collaborative spirit — works in service of the Costume Designer’s vision.
  • Resourcefulness — adept at sourcing and creative substitutions within budget.
  • Mission alignment — committed to Encore’s mission. See This is Encore.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Per production, scaled to the costume scope.
  • Schedule: Primarily evenings and weekends to accommodate young artists’ schedules; daily presence during fittings, tech week, and the run.
  • Environment: Costume shop, rehearsal rooms, and the performance venue. Physical requirements include lifting costume pieces, standing for extended periods during fittings and tech.
  • Reports to: Production Manager operationally; Costume Designer artistically.
  • Compensation: Per Encore’s costume team structure.

Success Measures

  • Costume designs that work creatively within the Costume Designer’s established vision and parameters.
  • Smooth creative integration of costume designs during technical rehearsals.
  • Effective creative collaboration with Costume Designer and production team.
  • Costume organization and tracking systems that support both artistic presentation and efficient operations.
  • Costumes that hold up through the run with minimal repair needs.

By Phase

Inception

Welcome to the Encore fam! Be sure to complete your onboarding items below — we look forward to building an incredible show that builds life skills through stage skills for young artists.

Onboarding

  • Complete child safety training.
  • Submit background check.
  • Submit W-9.
  • Sign and return contract.
  • Complete onboarding process.

Initial Production Work

  • Begin reviewing the script for costume scope and any unusual character demands.
  • Attend the onboarding meeting with the full production team.

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Collaborate with the Costume Designer to understand aesthetic parameters (color, period, texture, vision).
  • Work with the Director and Choreographer on character development, movement requirements, and staging needs.
  • Attend all production meetings and design integration discussions.
  • Create the costume plot and character breakdown sheets within the Designer’s framework.
  • Develop the design package: mood boards, fabric selections, color palette, sourcing plan, budget, timeline, quick-change documentation.
  • Prepare design presentation materials for cast and production team.

See 2 - Pre-Production for the phase overview.

Casting

  • Attend casting-phase production meetings to coordinate costume design with casting decisions.
  • Adapt costume designs for individual cast members within the established design framework.
  • Begin sourcing research and character-specific design development.
  • Develop measurement protocols and the fitting schedule.

See 3 - Casting for the phase overview.

Rehearsals

  • Attend regular production meetings during the rehearsal phase.
  • Execute costume shopping, rentals, and acquisitions within the Costume Designer’s vision.
  • Make creative decisions about styling details, accessories, and garment modifications within design parameters.
  • Conduct costume fittings with attention to both fit and artistic presentation.
  • Provide rehearsal costumes that support character development.
  • Attend designated rehearsals to observe costume needs.
  • Plan quick-change solutions.
  • Organize costumes and develop tracking systems.
  • Attend the Designer Run.

See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Pre-Tech

  • Attend Pre-Tech production meetings to coordinate technical integration.
  • Complete costume acquisitions and execute alterations with attention to design vision.
  • Organize costumes for technical rehearsals with consideration for visual flow and quick access.
  • Create detailed costume breakdown sheets with styling notes for cast and crew.
  • Design quick-change areas and procedures.

See 5 - Pre-Tech for the phase overview.

Technical Rehearsals

  • Oversee costume integration during technical rehearsals with attention to visual presentation.
  • Make creative adjustments and repairs that maintain the established design vision.
  • Guide cast on costume handling and coordinate with backstage crew on costume procedures.
  • Address costume malfunctions with creative solutions and make real-time styling adjustments.
  • Ensure costume changes support both practical timing and visual storytelling.
  • Take detailed notes from the Director, Choreographer, and Stage Management regarding costume adjustments.

See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Performance

  • Maintain costume organization and cleanliness throughout the run.
  • Handle emergency repairs and replacements as needed.
  • Monitor costume condition and make necessary adjustments.
  • Document any changes or additions made during the run.

See 7 - Performance for the phase overview.

Post-Production

  • Attend Post-Production meetings to debrief on costume department successes and challenges.
  • Supervise costume strike and coordinate returns of rented or borrowed items.
  • Observe and respect Encore’s costume storage and inventory practices.
  • Complete final budget reconciliation, expense documentation, and production evaluation.

See 8 - Post-Production for the phase overview.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-12 · Owner: Rhett

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