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United Scenic Artists

The Representative Voice
of Designers and Scenic Artists

Exam Information: Costume Designer

The Costume Design category of United Scenic Artists of Local USA 829 includes Costume Designers for stage, film, television, commercials, Assistant Costume Designers, and Stylists. USA 829 Costume Designers create the looks of actors and performers in theatre, dance, opera, film and television. The Costume Designer is a visual storyteller, translating dramatic ideas into physical garments for stage and screen, in a process that begins with creative conceptualization and extends through to execution.

The Costume Designer‘s work includes script analysis in order to determine both the physical needs of the project and an overarching visual concept; the production of all required costume sketches ; selection of all fabrics and trims for any built costumes; providing any specifications needed by the costume shop to make or alter costumes and costume accessories; selection of any purchased, promoted, or rented garments and accessories; the supervision of all necessary fittings ; attending of any necessary rehearsals and production meetings; hair and make-up consultation; and budget management.

If you have questions about the examination process, please contact the Exam Coordinator. As examination information is changing, applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate examination committee for the most updated details.

Access Online Application Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact an examination committee if I have a question?

Applicants should contact the USA 829 Costume Design examination committee designated to their state of residence. Reference the regions and contact information below to find the appropriate contact email.

If you work in Live Performance as a Costume Designer, Associate Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer, or Stylist, proceed.
If you work in Motion Picture, Television, or Commercials as a Costume Designer, Associate Costume Designer, Assistant Costume Designer, or Stylist and are located outside of the New York City metropolitan area, please contact the Motion Picture Department at mopic@usa829.org.

Eastern Region Costume Design & Stylist Committee (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and members living abroad): costumedesignexam@usa829.org

Central Region Exam Committee (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin): centralexam@usa829.org

Western Region Exam Committee (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming): westexam@usa829.org

What are the steps of the examination process?

Step One: All applicants going through the exam process begin with a standardized application facilitated through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. Applicants begin the process by submitting the union application form and a non-refundable application fee ($75). Upon submission of these materials, the candidate’s eligibility for membership is verified by the USA 829 Business Office.

Step Two: The applicant then submits a comprehensive résumé detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills, three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing), and the non-refundable exam fee ($125). There are also supplemental materials that an applicant must provide depending on the craft.

Costume Design applicants will be asked to provide a portfolio of professional work for review and may be subjected to other requirements. More information about portfolio submission and other examination requirements will be provided by the appropriate examination committee. Because this information is subject to change, applicants are encouraged to contact their respective regional examination committee for additional details.

How long can I expect the examination process to take?

The examination process timeline is set according to each examination committee. Please contact your appropriate regional examination committee for more information.

What materials should I prepare for the exam?

Generally speaking, candidates should be prepared to provide a comprehensive résumé and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (including one from a USA 829 member in good standing). Additional supplemental materials, including a portfolio, may be required in addition to these materials. Please contact your appropriate regional examination committee for more information.

What key dates and deadlines should I know about?

Key dates and deadlines for the examination process are determined by each regional examination committee. Please reference the information below.

Eastern Region (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and members living abroad)

Contact the Eastern Region Costume Design & Stylist Examination Commmittee

Central Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin)

All materials received by: Review complete by:
January 31, 2026 March 31, 2026
April 30, 2026 June 30, 2026
July 31, 2026 September 30, 2026
October 31, 2026 December 31, 2026

Western Region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming)

All application materials should be received by one of the following dates:

  • March 1, 2026
  • July 1, 2026
  • November 1, 2026
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