Dresser
Also known as: backstage dresser, wardrobe master, principal dresser, wardrobe mistress
About this occupation
Dressers assist and support artists before, during and after the performance to ensure the performers costumes are in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They ensure the costume quality, maintain, check and repair costumes and assist with quick costume changes.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work ergonomically
- work with respect for own safety
- adapt to artists' creative demands
- prepare personal work environment
- preset costumes
- dress actors
- translate artistic concepts to technical designs
- safeguard artistic quality of performance
- understand artistic concepts
- use personal protection equipment
- work safely with machines
- standard sizing systems for clothing
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Producers and Directors (O*NET 27-2012.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
- Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
- Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
- Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
- Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
- Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Enterprising, Conventional
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness
US median pay: US$90,360 a year (2025), 143,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Media Technical Directors/Managers
- Media Programming Directors
- Film and Video Editors
- Art Directors
- Talent Directors
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
- Writers and Authors
- Music Directors and Composers
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Editors
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.