Costuming Supervisor

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is a 20-acre theme park featuring two first of their kind Roller Coasters and over three dozen rides opening Summer of 2026.

The Costuming Supervisor serves as the primary costuming lead for COTALAND Entertainment and is responsible for the planning, execution, and ongoing management of costume operations supporting live shows, costumed characters, seasonal productions, strolling performers, guest performers, and special events. This role ensures all costumes and character looks meet COTALAND standards for show quality, durability, safety, and performer usability.

This position requires a hands-on leader who can support day-to-day costume shop execution while also managing department operations including staffing, scheduling, budgets, inventory systems, vendor coordination, and show readiness planning. The Costuming Supervisor partners closely with Creative, Production, Operations, Talent, and Park Leadership to support an efficient, polished, and performance-ready entertainment program.

Costume Department Leadership and Operations

• Lead the daily operations of the Costume Department, ensuring consistent execution of shop workflows, show support priorities, and department standards.

• Oversee costume construction, fittings, alterations, repairs, laundering, storage, and long-term maintenance for all entertainment costumes.

• Maintain the costume shop environment including organization, equipment readiness, safety practices, and storage systems.

• Establish costuming processes that support operating hours, seasonal transitions, and event-specific production needs.

COTALAND Costumed Character Fleet Oversight

• Oversee the full lifecycle of the COTALAND costumed character fleet, ensuring daily readiness, cleanliness, safety compliance, and show condition standards.

• Track and manage repairs, refurbishment planning, component inventory, and replacement schedules for character wardrobe and accessories.

• Coordinate character costume elements including headpieces, accessories, under-structures, cooling systems, footwear, and performer support components.

• Partner with Entertainment leadership to maintain character appearance standards and performance readiness.

Production Planning and Creative Support

• Support new entertainment offerings by building costuming plans from concept through completion, ensuring creative intent translates into durable, wearable performance costumes.

• Provide recommendations on materials and construction methods that support movement, heat, outdoor performance conditions, and long-term wear.

• Maintain accurate documentation including fitting notes, costume requirements, show standards, and character wardrobe records.

• When assigned, contribute original costume design concepts and/or manage outside designers to ensure alignment with brand and production requirements.

Costume Standards, Maintenance, and Show Quality

• Apply best practices for patterning, sewing, reinforcement, repairs, and finishing to ensure costumes remain safe and show-ready in a high-volume theme park environment.

• Maintain show-quality standards through consistent cleaning and care processes including laundering, steaming/pressing, stain removal, deodorizing, and proper storage procedures.

Budgeting, Purchasing, and Inventory Management

• Develop and manage annual and seasonal budgets for costuming including supplies, repairs, outside vendors, staffing needs, and replacement forecasting.

• Track expenses, manage purchasing documentation, and support cost control practices aligned with department goals.

• Maintain inventory systems for costumes, fabrics, trims, character components, shop tools, and consumable supplies.

• Forecast high-wear replacement cycles and maintain readiness plans for characters and outdoor performance wardrobes.

Staff Supervision and Training

• Recruit, schedule, train, supervise, and evaluate costuming and wardrobe staff based on park needs and business priorities.

• Assign work, manage deadlines, and prioritize projects to support performance schedules and operational requirements.

• Maintain tracking systems for ongoing repairs, build projects, and labor assignments to ensure visibility and accountability.

• Coach and develop team members on construction techniques, show support standards, and wardrobe best practices.

Wardrobe and Show Support

• Oversee day-to-day wardrobe support for shows, strolling entertainment, appearances, special events, and guest bookings.

• Provide on-site show support as needed, including quick changes, emergency repairs, and show condition checks.

• Support entertainment operations through consistent readiness checks and timely response to performance needs.

Vendor and Partner Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for costume vendors, specialty providers, rentals, fabrication partners, and refurbishment services.

• Manage vendor communication, quotes, timelines, and deliverables to support show schedules and production deadlines.

• Stay current on emerging materials and techniques in themed entertainment costuming and apply improvements when beneficial.

Entertainment Department Support

• Support additional Entertainment Department needs as assigned, including special events, seasonal activations, media moments, and park-wide enhancements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise Costume Department staff, including lead roles such as Costume Shop Supervisor/Lead Stitcher and Wardrobe Supervisor/Wardrobe Lead (as assigned).

• May supervise part-time, seasonal, or production-based wardrobe/costume staff as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of entertainment production workflows from design through rehearsal, run, maintenance, and strike.

• Strong working knowledge of fabrics, trims, accessories, and specialty materials, including performance wear and outdoor-rated textiles.

• Working knowledge of pattern making, fittings, alterations, garment construction, and reinforcement techniques.

• Working knowledge of costume cleaning and maintenance best practices to preserve show quality and extend costume lifespan.

• Knowledge of costume organization, tracking systems, and inventory management practices.

• Ability to manage costumes in high-wear environments including outdoor heat, sweat, repeated laundering, and high-volume usage.

• Familiarity with wigs, hair, makeup, and character finishing standards preferred.

• Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.

• Proficiency with computer programs and digital tracking tools (spreadsheets, email, inventory tools, scheduling systems).

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in Costume Design, Fashion Design, Theatrical Production, or related discipline preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum 5 years professional experience in costume construction and/or wardrobe operations.

• Experience supporting live entertainment, themed entertainment, theatrical production, or performance-based environments preferred.

• Prior leadership experience managing staff, schedules, and department operations strongly preferred.

Abilities and Competencies

Communication and Comprehension

· Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in verbal and written form.

· Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and documentation requirements.

· Problem Solving

· Ability to assess and resolve issues using sound judgment in both routine and time-sensitive show support situations.

Leadership

· Leads with professionalism, accountability, and a solutions-focused mindset.

· Builds strong working relationships and supports a collaborative Entertainment team culture.

· Physical and Scheduling Requirements

· Ability to work in both indoor shop settings and active park environments.

· Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders as required.

· Regularly lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

· Ability to work occasional nights, weekends, and holidays as required by entertainment schedules and seasonal operations.

· Ability to respond to time-sensitive costume and wardrobe needs during operating hours.

· Scheduling and Availability

· Must be available to work a flexible schedule based on park operating hours and business needs.

· Availability must include weekends, holidays, early mornings, late evenings, and seasonal event peak periods.

Working Conditions

· Work is performed primarily in a costume shop/wardrobe environment with periodic outdoor assignments.

· Moderate noise levels with occasional exposure to event environments, backstage areas, and show production spaces.

· Ability to stand, sit, use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.

· Ability to lift and/ or move up to 40 pounds.

· Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull.

· Ability to stand/walk for long periods.

· Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.

· Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year.

· The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.