Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

The Work

The Costume Supervisor assists the costume designer and manages the costume department on set during pre-production and filming. 

Role and Responsibilities 

• Responsible for leading the team in carrying out the design plans of the costume designer.

• During pre-production, they are responsible for setting up the wardrobe base, kitting it out, and hiring the costume department crew.

• Ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the department, such as ordering supplies, overseeing alterations, ensuring the costumes are kept in optimum condition, and organising cast and extras for fittings.

• Manage the department within agreed budgets and schedules and keep all necessary paperwork up to date.

Works with

• Costume Designer
• Director
• Art Director
• Head of Hair and Make-up
• All of the Wardrobe Department

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Create worksheets for dressing lists, show notes, or costume checks.
• Provide dressing assistance to cast members or assign cast dressers to assist specific cast members with costume changes.
• Arrange costumes in order of use to facilitate quick-change procedures for performances.
• Design or construct costumes or send them to tailors for construction, major repairs, or alterations.
• Examine costume fit on cast members and sketch or write notes for alterations.
• Distribute costumes or related equipment and keep records of item status.
• Check the appearance of costumes on stage or under lights to determine whether desired effects are being achieved.
• Clean and press costumes before and after performances and perform any minor repairs.
• Collaborate with production designers, costume designers, or other production staff to discuss and execute costume design details.
• Monitor, maintain, or secure inventories of costumes, wigs, or makeup, providing keys or access to assigned directors, costume designers, or wardrobe mistresses/masters.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Last Updated: April, 2025

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