Draper

About the Washington National Opera

In 1956, the sound of opera rang out in DC, heralding the birth of a new company. Four decades and countless artistic leaps later, Washington National Opera continues to move boldly forward on the great adventure that began years ago in a university auditorium. Washington National Opera is now one of the nation's leading opera companies and plays to standing room audiences in the Kennedy Center.

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including:

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2024 staff video!

Job Description

This position contributes to the mission, vision, and values of Washington National Opera as part of the Costume Department. Pattern, construct, fit, alter, and refurbish costumes for all WNO productions, galas, concerts, and events. Oversee the efficient and professional execution of work performed in the costume workroom.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Create a plan for the completion of assigned projects in conjunction with the Costume Design Manager and Costume Workroom Manager
• Provide labor hours estimates for assigned projects.

Costume Studio Personnel

• Instruct and supervise workroom staff in the construction and alteration of costumes.
• Ensure that timesheet recording for First Hands and Stitchers is accurate.
• Interview potential Stitchers and First Hands and administer stitching tests when requested.

Costume Studio Facility

• Maintain a safe and comfortable working environment for all staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a clean and organized workplace.
• Ensure that equipment is properly maintained.
• Monitor the use of workroom supplies and request replenishment as necessary.
• Keep informed about industry standards and new products.

Pre-Production

• Measure costumes for all shows that use an existing set of costumes.
• Review costume assignments with the costume coordinator and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• For existing costumes, coordinate any pre-alterations and/or refurbishments needed before fittings.
• Analyze new costume designs with the costume designer and/or costume coordinator to determine a course of action for each costume.
• Research any period styles and techniques necessary to complete each costume.
• Provide yardage estimates for any fabrics and trims required for each costume.

Production

• Develop patterns and supervise the construction process through completion.
• Ensure that costumes are constructed according to proscribed company standards.
• Conduct costume fittings for performers in each production as assigned.
• Ensure that every performer is reasonably comfortable in costume and communicate any necessary costume information.
• Ensure that sewing notes from each fitting are accurately recorded.
• Ensure that work on all costumes is completed accurately and on schedule and approve assigned costume pieces for load out.
• Attend all dress rehearsals as requested.
• Provide dressing information directly to wardrobe personnel as needed to ensure that each performer is accurately costumed.
• Address questions and concerns from performers.
• Assist in the organization of notes on any work to be done after dress rehearsals.
• Coordinate the completion of sewing notes from all fittings and dress rehearsals.

Post-Production

• Ensure that any assigned post-production costume work is completed.
• Ensure that all patterns, fabrics, and trims are organized and properly stored.

Other

• Attend meetings as requested.
• Coordinate and monitor the activities of costume interns and apprentices.
• Provide the Costume Workroom Manager with regular assessments of First Hands and Stitchers.
• Set up and supervise volunteer projects as required.
• Provide costume support for other company departments as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional experience in costume draping, pattern making, construction, and tailoring of men's and women's clothing.
• Post-secondary education in or comparable knowledge of costume design, costume history, patternmaking, sewing, and tailoring techniques.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Additional Information

• Drapers and First Hands are required to attend dress rehearsals at the Kennedy Center, an average of 2-3 evenings per production
• Position is based out of the Takoma neighborhood of Washington, DC, with periodic travel to the Kennedy Center
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work at a counter-height cutting table. The employee frequently works from a seated position and will be required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel in order to operate sewing equipment. The employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, kneel or reach while conducting fittings. This position regularly lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Local travel up to 10% may be required.