Costume Workshop Employee

Theater Rotterdam

The words “I am because of you” succinctly summarize Theater Rotterdam’s (TR) vision. The realization that interactions with others make us human guides TR’s direction. Since 2021, under the leadership of Artistic Director Alida Dors, we have embraced diversity of voices. In our artistic practice, diverse voices, languages, and forms come together—from creators and the audience alike, who participate as co-creators. Our mission is to turn differences into opportunities and to enrich one another. As a theater, we are the directors of encounters—we create frameworks for temporary yet memorable fusions of worlds. As one of the largest theater companies in the Netherlands, TR performs on national and international stages and at festivals. We are a home for established and mid-career theater makers, as well as emerging artists. What unites them is reciprocity: drawing on everyone’s perspective, we work together to explore what theater can mean.

Artistic Agency & Costume Workshop

The Artistic Office is the heart of the organization. This is where creators’ plans are turned into concrete, actionable projects. The Artistic Office brings together artistic preparation, production, planning, technical support, costumes, set design, sales, and audience engagement. This is where productions and projects take shape, and where we build our audience in the Netherlands and beyond.

Within the Artistic Department, the Costume Workshop holds a special place. Theater Rotterdam’s Costume Workshop is a vibrant, artisanal workshop where designs, materials, craftspeople, and productions come together. Here, costumes are developed, crafted, altered, and maintained for a wide range of theater productions, performances, and tours by Theater Rotterdam and its collaborative partners. From intimate productions to large-scale main-stage performances and international tours, the Costume Workshop plays an essential role in bringing artistic worlds to life on stage. The work requires precision, flexibility, and collaboration, as well as inventiveness and a feel for movement, acting, and stage practice. The Costume Workshop is led by the Costume Workshop Coordinator.

About the role

As a Costume Workshop Assistant, you will help with the creation, alteration, care, and management of costumes for Theater Rotterdam’s productions and tours. The role lies at the intersection of craftsmanship, creativity, and execution: from pattern drafting and repairs to fittings, maintenance, and support during performances.

In an environment where multiple productions are running simultaneously, you will help ensure that the costume workshop is well-organized and that the costumes are artistically, practically, and technically suitable for the context of each production. Working alongside designers, the Costume Workshop Coordinator, and other disciplines at Theater Rotterdam, you will help create the conditions that allow creators and performers to work to the best of their ability.

The work includes, among other things,

• Create costumes based on design drawings or instructions from the designer or coordinator.
• Altering, repairing, and customizing costumes.
• Fitting costumes and making adjustments.
• Contributing ideas for practical and creative solutions during the creation process.
• Washing, ironing, and caring for costumes.
• Performing minor repairs and maintenance work.
• Managing and organizing costumes and storage.
• Provide support during performances, costume changes, and tours.
• Coordinate with colleagues and other disciplines within production teams.
• Assist with other studio tasks and administrative work.
• In some cases, designing and styling costumes.

What we're asking for

• Experience in making, altering, and maintaining costumes.
• Technical skills in sewing, pattern drafting, and repair work.
• Knowledge of materials and an understanding of the durability and use of costumes on stage.
• A practical, precise, and solution-oriented approach to work.
• Creativity and the ability to contribute ideas during the production process.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt within a dynamic production environment.
• Willingness to travel with productions and work evenings and weekends; preferably living in (or near) Rotterdam.

What does Theater Rotterdam have to offer you?

A varied role within an artistic practice where creators, development, and collaboration take center stage. You’ll be part of a dedicated and passionate team at a vibrant costume workshop where craftsmanship, creativity, and theater practice come together.

You work in an organization that fosters growth and where different perspectives and experiences come together—entirely in the spirit of “I am because of you.”

The gross salary for this position ranges from €3,075 to €3,705 (Scale V – Theater & Dance Collective Bargaining Agreement) based on full-time employment, depending on experience. This position is a part-time role, 0.63 FTE, averaging 24 hours per week, and the start date is preferably in September 2026 (negotiable). This is an initial one-year appointment, with the possibility of extension.

Interested?

We aim to be an organization that reflects the diversity of Rotterdam and are working toward building teams that bring together different experiences and perspectives. Does this position appeal to you, and would you like to contribute to Theater Rotterdam’s standing and visibility? Or do you see yourself in part of the profile and view this as an opportunity for further professional development? If so, please submit your cover letter and resume by August 2 at the latest via . The interviews will take place during the weeks of August 10 and 18.

If you have any questions regarding the job description, please contact the Artistic Office at artistiekbureau@theaterrotterdam.nl.