Costume Staff

About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles.

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

About Halloween Nights: 

Halloween Nights is the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site's annual Halloween-themed fundraiser event providing safe, fun, high-quality entertainment that raises funds used to help fulfill the mission of ESPHS, Inc. All proceeds from the event are used to support the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Aid in documenting expenditures and tracking budget parameters for makeup supplies and materials.

• Provide support during alterations to ensure adherence to approved designs.

• Assist in overseeing the construction of costumes throughout the season.

• Help maintain cleanliness and organization of costume shop and work areas. 

• Assist in organizing and collecting costumes before and after dry cleaning days.

• Support special projects such as dyeing, fabric painting, and accessory creation.

• Coordinating with team members to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of makeup application tasks.

• Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities and project requirements.

• Work closely with the costume team to ensure the cohesive execution of projects.

• Coordinate with performers and other staff members to align makeup application with character portrayals and event requirements.

• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities and project requirements.

Education/Certifications, Licenses, Credentials:

• High school diploma or GED

• Experience with clothing design/tailoring is preferred 

Required Skills/Abilities:

• 6 months to a year  of combined experience in Costume design, Tailoring, clothing design

• Beginner  tool Knowledge and use (sewing machines)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Experience working in a Halloween/Haunted House venue is preferred. 

• High level of personal sensitivity related to others related to diverse teams of various identities including but not limited to: age, race, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, etc.

• Must be able to maintain full confidentiality of any and all conversations, data records, files and other information where access is limited. 

• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities.

• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving 

• Detail-Oriented, Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and stressful environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to carry loads of 15lbs

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.

• Ability to walk all aspects of the 10 acre site each night for the duration of the show.

• Must be comfortable working in dark, loud and theatrical spaces.

• Ability to work in space where temperatures may vary to cold and hot 

• Ability to climb, stoop, crawl and maneuver in tight spaces can be required depending on the department.

Commitment to Diversity:

We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: 

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.