Job Requirements Disney Live Entertainment Costumer Job Summary
The Costumer independently manages garment production for new and existing entertainment offerings, ranging from character greetings to full scale parades and stage shows. This role is accountable for delivering costumes that are safe, functional, and aligned with creative intent, while balancing budget, timeline, and operational considerations. The Costumer serves as a subject matter expert for costume execution and provides informal leadership to peers and hourly Cast.
Job Responsibilities
· Build and maintain strong relationships with salaried and hourly union Cast through effective communication and follow-through while providing daily operational updates to leadership · Mentor and guide hourly union Cast, providing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities; communicate staffing needs to leadership · Monitor show quality through Cast and Crew feedback; provide basic guidance on costume care and setup. · Serve as the primary Costuming contact for assigned productions, collaborating with Designers, Production, Stage, Safety, and Operations teams to maintain quality and resolve issues · Collaborate with Designers to select fabrics, trims, and accessories that meet climate, safety, and functionality requirements, while approving samples and coordinating fittings, photoshoots, and key review sessions to ensure design integrity · Document costume and production processes for historical reference and future analysis · Collaborate with Entertainment Safety and Costuming Operations to ensure costumes comply with safety protocols and support performer well-being; identify and escalate potential risks in design, fit, or wear, and develop mitigation plans as needed · Ensure costume sustainment and accessories meet show-quality standards while adhering to financial and operational constraints · Develop and manage project estimates, timelines, and budgets for assigned shows and offerings, ensuring alignment with creative intent, guest experience, and financial targets · Partner with Costume Planning to create material numbers in SAP and manage procurement processes · Source new vendors for materials and finished goods, attending trade shows to stay current with industry trends, while overseeing cost tracking and reporting within AOP guidelines · Oversee domestic and international costume deliveries, ensuring compliance with customs and shipping regulations · Represent projects in Executive and Creative buy-offs and support special events, character rollouts, filming, and conventions as needed
Basic Qualifications
- 2+ years of experience in theatre, film, fashion, or apparel industry.
- 1+ years of hands-on experience with garment construction, textile properties, and fabric handling, with proficiency in basic craftwork and finishing methods
- Strong, proven expertise in managing the full project and production management lifecycle, ensuring efficiency and quality across all phases
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex issues to diverse stakeholders
- Skilled in costume documentation, including photos, component guides, and laundry care instructions
- Experience maintaining budgets, including capital planning, transfers, and cost estimation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, SAP, Smartsheet, and other web-based tools
- Experience in purchasing apparel-related items and managing vendor relationships
- Ability to work around various materials (e.g., fabrics, fibers, furs)
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, holidays, and travel between locations as business needs require.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Proficient in PLM systems, purchasing software, and financial reporting tools
- Previous leadership experience with a focus on team and project management
- Ability to identify and implement strategic sourcing solutions for apparel and related products
- Bilingual Spanish
- Experience working in warehouse and production environments. Experience working in warehouse operations and/or character/mascot costuming
Ability to travel domestically and internationally; possessing a valid passport or willingness to obtain
Education
- High School diploma or equivalent is required
- Advanced degree in Costuming, Costume Design, Textiles, Theater, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or related field preferred
Disclaimer
PAY TRANSPARENCY
The hiring range for this position in Orlando is $34,500.00 to $46,260.00 per year based on a 24 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
This position is with Disney Imagineering Live, LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Live Entertainment. To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here. Disney Imagineering Live, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
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