Assistant Costumer - Department of Dance

Position Overview 

The Assistant Costumer for the Department of Dance within Jordan College of the Arts will assist the Costume Director in the construction and maintenance of all Butler Ballet costumes and wardrobe.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the construction, refurbishment, and alteration of costumes for Butler University’s Department of Dance, including classical ballet and contemporary dance projects. 
• The assistant costumer will also help the Costumer with wardrobe and costume storage, maintenance, and inventory.
• Work with student stitchers to complete assigned projects.
• Serve as Wardrobe crew for productions.
• Other duties as qualified and required.
• May occasionally operate University-owned vehicles or operate a vehicle on the University’s behalf, to transport individuals, equipment, materials, and supplies in support of departmental and University activities.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre or related field
• Minimum of 3 years of costume work in dance and/or theatre at the collegiate or professional level.
• Advanced skills in sewing, alteration, fabric dyeing, pattern reading, millinery, and tutu construction are required.
• Training and experience in dance and /or theatre costuming at the collegiate or professional level is required.
• Accurate and efficient construction skills, good work habits, passion for the work, strict adherence to published deadlines, and commitment to excellence are required.
• Additional skills in crafts, millinery, and dyeing are desirable.
• Experience working with community-based organizations and underserved populations.
• The successful candidate must be able to lift 50 pounds, navigate stairs, and maneuver racks of costumes between adjacent buildings.
• Must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with University policy.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MFA degree in Costume Technology 

 

BU Benefits and Perks  

• Please check out Butler’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include: 

• Paid Time Off and Holidays: 

  • 20 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year 

  • 8 Paid Holidays 

  • In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day 

  • Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment) 

• Health: 

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs 

• Retirement: 

  • 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment 

• Tuition Assistance: 

  • Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children. 

  • Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment 

  • Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees 

  • Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree 

    • Covers tuition only 

  • Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents at participating institutions

• Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: 

  • Access to Butler’s on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty 

  • LinkedIn Learning Courses 

  • Free premium subscription to the Calm App 

  • Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT 

  • Discount at the College Bookstore 

  • Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances

About the company

Butler University is a private, nationally recognized comprehensive university encompassing seven colleges: Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Pharmacy & Health Sciences and Founder's College. Approximately 4,500 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and doctoral students are enrolled at Butler, representing 46 states and 24 countries.
Join us at the crossroads of tradition & transformation. A career at Butler University offers more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to join a dedicated, innovative, and supportive community grounded in equity, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Aligned with Boldly Butler, our strategic plan, faculty and staff play a vital role in delivering transformational learning experiences, enriching our campus and community, and ensuring a thriving Butler for generations to come.
Butler University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, sex, race, religion, color, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected category.