The mission of the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) is to enrich the lives of all people by producing operas of the highest artistic quality and providing educational opportunities through traditional and innovative approaches. 

New Orleans Opera Association is celebrating its 81^st season in 2022-2023. It is proud to continue the legacy of producing opera in America’s First City of Opera, a tradition that began when Andre Getry’s Sylvain premiered in New Orleans on April 22, 1796. Each year, NOOA presents operatic productions that feature both classical and contemporary works. Beyond the stage, the key component of NOOA’s mission is its commitment to outreach and education programs in the Greater New Orleans area.

The Costumer is a key member of the Company’s production team reporting to the Director of Production to analyze and implement costume aspects of all New Orleans Opera productions. The Costumer is responsible for overseeing all day-to-day costume-related activities, including personnel, equipment, supplies, inventory, workroom and costume storage areas, and costume rental packages. The Costumer maintains the shop, keeping records current and staying informed of new methods and industry standards while preparing paperwork and other administrative aspects of the position. The Costumer communicates all artistic, expense and human resource decisions to the Director of Production.

The New Orleans Opera Association is currently accepting applications for the position of Costumer for its 2023-2024 Season. Applicants should be available for full time work during the following dates with occasional work (planning, preparation, and meetings) outside of these dates:

• September 8 – October 1, 2023
• October 20 – November 12, 2023
• March 1 – March 24, 2024

Core duties include:

• Coordinates and attends all fittings to maintain consistency and standards.
• Attends all dress rehearsals.
• Coordinates shopping for all locally purchased production-specific costume items as needed.
• Manages production costume rentals in collaboration with the Director of Production.
• Oversees construction and alteration of all costumes, including builds and rentals.
• Supervises costume staff and coordinates work needs with the wardrobe supervisor.
• Enforces New Orleans Opera policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Oversees the maintenance of shop equipment and costume stock.
• Works with the Director of Production to prepare budgets and forecasts for all costume and wardrobe aspects of productions, including labor.
• Communicates with the Production Stage Manager regarding fittings, rehearsal needs, and performer requests.
• Attends regular production meetings and participates in discussion about costume rental packages.
• Creates a “bible” for each production with financial, artistic and technical information.
• Maintains a positive and communicative atmosphere in the workroom and with management and mediates any conflicts among personnel or with designers.

This position is a good for someone who:

• Has strong knowledge of costume history, costume design, costume construction techniques, and fabric required
• Has experience managing a costume shop, including working with union employees
• Has knowledge of draping, cutting constructing, fitting and alterations
• Has budgetary experience and a solid track record of bringing projects in on-time and on-budget
• Has the ability to work with artists and designers, anticipating the needs of each while balancing the workroom’s ability to complete the work on schedule
• Has excellent interpersonal, organization, problem solving and management skills
• Is a flexible, focused, and well-organized team player
• Has the ability to work quickly and accurately with attention to detail
• Can prioritize and multi-task
• Will be able to work nights and weekends, as required
• Has the ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Can to tolerate exposure to common laundry and fabric dyeing chemicals
• Has knowledge of safety standards for costume related equipment, products and tools, and their implementation.
• Possesses basic sewing machine repair and maintenance
• Is emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.

The New Orleans Opera is willing to teach:

• Specifics about the operatic art form
• NOOA policies and procedures

At New Orleans Opera, we are committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and we are an equal opportunity employer.  NOOA will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to eliminating barriers to access and equity and see a diverse workforce as a key step toward this goal. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.

To Apply:

• Send cover letter and resume (Word or PDF format only) to hr@neworleansopera.org
• No phone calls, please.

Vaccination policy: New Orleans Opera has implemented a mandatory COVID vaccination policy, which requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID to perform work for the company beginning September 7, 2021. Within 24 hours of accepting an offer of employment with New Orleans Opera, individuals must submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID.  If proof of vaccination is not provided, the offer of employment will be withdrawn. Individuals receiving an offer of employment from New Orleans Opera will be provided the full text of the vaccination policy.