Department: Production - Costumes

Status: Full-Time, Volunteer

Dates: August 25, 2025 to May 31, 2026

Deadline to Apply: Applications will be reviewed beginning on March 31, 2025

Milwaukee Repertory Theater, a LORT theater located in the heart of Wisconsin’s largest metropolitan area, is currently seeking applicants for the position of Costume Construction Resident. Our mission is to ignite positive changes in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of our community by creating world-class theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. It is important that our hiring practices reflect our ongoing commitment to diversity and anti-racism, we strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. We are further committed to considering applicants who are well-rounded but do not fulfill every qualification.

Description:

The Costume Construction resident works and learns directly alongside the costume shop staff as they take designer renderings from page to stage. This resident will have an opportunity to be a part of the process for all 13+ productions, working with a wide variety of periods, materials, and construction techniques.

Opportunities:

- Participate in costume fittings

- Meet and engage with visiting designers

- Learn with staff drapers, tailors, and artisans

- Assist with craft and millinery projects

- Develop wig, hair, and makeup skills

- Refine wardrobe skills

Hours:

The Costume Resident works typical shop with some night and weekend work. This residency will run wardrobe for 1 to 2 productions during which time the hours will shift to fit the performance schedule.

Qualifications:

All EPRS residents will have:

- Demonstrated skills for department

- Good communication skills

- Strong work ethic

- A level of maturity and self-sufficiency to work in a professional theater environment

- Initiative to embrace relevant learning opportunities

A successful Costume Construction candidate will be motivated to cultivate a career in costume production and/or design. They will be comfortable hand and machine sewing and will have some experience building from patterns. They should be curious about all parts of the costume production process and be ready to jump right in.

All Milwaukee Rep company members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before beginning work and will be required to receive boosters as recommended by CDC.

Supervisor:

This position is supervised directly by the Costume Director and mentored by a member of the costume shop staff.

EPR Compensation:

- $275 weekly untaxed stipend

- $200 one time stipend to offset the costs of travel to Milwaukee for non-Greater Milwaukee area based residents

- Private bedroom in a shared apartment paid for by Milwaukee Rep (includes utilities and internet)

- Unlimited city bus pass for transportation too and from the theater

- Professional development and mentorship opportunities

- Free tickets to Rep productions, invitations to EPR Angel dinners and events, and a variety of professional training and workshop opportunities

- Access to our EPR Pantry for supplementary groceries