Costume Storage

Term from Costume Design industry explained for recruiters

Costume Storage refers to the organized system of maintaining, preserving, and managing theatrical and film costumes. It's like a specialized wardrobe management system that ensures valuable costume pieces are protected, easily accessible, and properly maintained between productions. This includes methods for hanging, boxing, and cataloging costumes, as well as protecting them from damage, dust, and environmental factors. Proper costume storage is crucial for theaters, film studios, and costume rental facilities where costumes need to be preserved for future use or maintained during long-running shows.

Examples in Resumes

Developed and implemented a Costume Storage system for a 200+ piece theatrical wardrobe

Managed Costume Storage and maintenance for three concurrent Broadway productions

Reorganized Costume Storage Room to improve accessibility and preservation of period costumes

Supervised Wardrobe Storage operations for a major regional theater

Typical job title: "Costume Storage Managers"

Also try searching for:

Wardrobe Supervisor Costume Manager Wardrobe Manager Costume Department Coordinator Costume Shop Manager Wardrobe Storage Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you set up a costume storage system for a large theater company from scratch?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss space planning, organizing by show/production, implementing tracking systems, proper storage materials, climate control, and training staff on maintenance procedures.

Q: How do you handle budget planning for storage supplies and maintenance?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience with creating budgets for storage materials, maintenance supplies, and understanding cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality preservation standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to track and catalog costumes?

Expected Answer: Should explain systems for labeling, inventory tracking, check-out procedures, and how they maintain records of costume conditions and cleaning requirements.

Q: How do you handle the preservation of delicate or vintage costume pieces?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper handling techniques, appropriate storage materials, environmental controls, and preventive maintenance procedures.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic requirements for proper costume storage?

Expected Answer: Should mention clean, climate-controlled environments, proper hangers, dust covers, and basic organization systems.

Q: How do you organize costumes by production or type?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic categorization methods, labeling systems, and how to arrange costumes for easy access.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic costume organization and tracking
  • Understanding of proper hanging techniques
  • Knowledge of basic storage materials
  • Ability to maintain clean storage areas

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Inventory management systems
  • Preservation techniques
  • Storage space planning
  • Team coordination

Senior (5+ years)

  • Large-scale storage system design
  • Budget management
  • Staff training and supervision
  • Long-term preservation planning

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of proper garment handling techniques
  • Lack of experience with inventory systems
  • Poor understanding of preservation methods
  • No experience with climate control importance