Stitcher / Dresser

Salary: $900/week

Reports to:Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor

Summer Work Schedule: Tuesday-Sunday during Festival Season (May-August)

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through April 21, 2026 or until filled.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Stitcher / Dresser will be working in the Costume Shop with the Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor, two other Stitcher / Dressers, and two interns for several hours every day. In this capacity, this role will assist in the preparation and running of costumes for the 2026 Festival Season.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Construct costumes based on designs provided by the costume designer. This includes sewing, hemming, and altering garments to ensure they fit the performers perfectly. (Note: The CCO Costume Shop does not create complete costume builds but may occasionally be asked to construct and/or source individual costumes.)
• Assist in the organization and running of costume fittings for a rotating repertory festival season.
• Assist in the organization of rented costume packages, including unpacking, tracking, and repacking.
• Mend any damaged costumes during the run of a show.
• Help performers into costumes prior to and during technical rehearsals and performances, ensuring all pieces are worn correctly.
• Organize and manage costumes during technical rehearsals and performances, making sure they are clean, pressed, and stored properly.
• Ensure costumes are washed or cleaned appropriately after each performance.
• Collaborate with the Wig & Makeup Department to ensure clear and seamless communication.
• Collaborate with the Stage Management team to ensure rehearsal costume pieces are available, and running paperwork is accurate.
• Collaborate and interact with industry professionals in the cast, crew, and staff, and comply with the instruction of Stage Management as designated by location and duty.
• Regularly clean costume workspaces.
• The person in this position moves across and around Central Citys mountain environment multiple times daily, including traversing steep hills, unpaved areas, and tight corners.

TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS

An ideal candidate will be an organized and detail-oriented individual with a passion for theater. They have a strong ability to follow instructions, work efficiently under pressure, and support the team in a fast-paced environment. With an understanding of costume building, fitting, and show running, this candidate is adaptable and quick to assist with last-minute changes or adjustments. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a professional attitude are essential, as well as the ability to maintain a clean and organized work area. A willingness to be a friendly face is also key for success in this role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in sewing, constructing, and altering costumes for theater, film, or fashion is required.
• Experience working in a theater environment, even in a general wardrobe or backstage role, is required.
• Having knowledge of creating and altering patterns is preferred.
• Understanding how different fabrics behave and how to work with them.
• Proficiency with various sewing machines, hand-stitching, and garment finishing techniques.
• The ability to fix issues that arise during the construction or fitting process.
• Familiarity with historical periods, styles, and costume techniques.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills with acute attention to detail
• Ability to think ahead and maintain self-driven initiative
• Ability to keep the work area clean, organized, and stocked with necessary supplies, ensuring the team is always prepared for rehearsals and performances.
• Comfortable taking direction from senior staff, such as the Costume Shop Manager, costume designers, or directors, and executing tasks accurately.
• Clear and effective communication with the production team and actors to understand and address their needs in a timely manner.
• Ability to work long hours, particularly during rehearsal periods and live performances, while maintaining focus and energy.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative setting and supporting a diverse team to ensure the success of each production.

COMPENSATION

For this role, Central City Opera can provide a fee of $900.00 per week for eleven (11) weeks. Dates of work are May 26 through August 7, 2025. Exact dates can be flexible for the right candidate.

In addition, CCOHA will provide rent-free housing accommodations and a prepaid, round-trip air coach ticket, or its cash-equivalent, for transportation from city of residence or engagement en route and return to city of residence.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values, and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company-wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.