Costume Dyer, Per Diem

OPERA America, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Union benefits

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera's Costume Shop is seeking a skilled Dyeing Specialist to color costumes and accessories according to designers’ vision. You will work closely with designers and craftspeople to ensure color fidelity under stage lighting and maintain the dye shop’s organization and safety standards.

Candidates should have training or experience in textile dyeing or related fields, with familiarity in theatre or production environments, and a strong eye for color under theatrical lighting.

Qualifications

• Training or professional experience in textile dyeing, textile finishing, costume crafts, costume painting, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Previous experience in theatre, costume shop, textile workshop, or similar production environment preferred.
• Knowledge of dye chemistry, dyeing techniques, and processes for working with different fabrics and materials.
• Strong color perception and understanding of how colors and fabrics appear under theatrical lighting.
• Ability to work independently with accuracy, organization and attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with flexibility to production schedules and deadlines.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices when handling chemicals and operating dye equipment.

Responsibilities

• Dye, strip, and overdye fabrics, finished costumes, and accessories according to specifications and artistic vision of designers.
• Mix and prepare dyes, develop color samples, and adjust colors under stage lighting.
• Apply dyeing techniques to a variety of fabrics, textiles, and costume materials.
• Evaluate color consistency, fabric quality, durability, and washability to ensure costumes maintain appearance during production.
• Collaborate closely with designers, craftspeople, and Costume Shop team to meet production requirements.
• Maintain an organized, well-stocked dye shop with proper storage of materials, chemicals and dyes.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures when handling dyes, chemicals, and equipment.

Skills

Textile dyeing

Color matching

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Training or professional experience in textile dyeing, textile finishing, costume crafts, costume painting, or related field

Tools

Dyeing equipment

Job description

The Metropolitan Opera's Costume Shop is home to a team of approximately 85 skilled professionals who bring the artistry of opera to life through the creation of exceptional costumes. Combining craftsmanship, creativity, precision, and attention to detail, our team works collaboratively to support the visual storytelling of world-class opera productions.

Your Responsibilities

Dye, strip, and overdye fabrics, finished costumes, and accessories according to the specifications and artistic vision of costume designers.

Mix and prepare dyes, develop color samples, and adjust colors to achieve the desired appearance under stage lighting.

Apply dyeing techniques to a variety of fabrics, textiles, and costume materials.

Evaluate color consistency, fabric quality, durability, and washability to ensure costumes maintain their appearance throughout a production's run.

Collaborate closely with costume designers, craftspeople, and other members of the Costume Shop to achieve production requirements.

Maintain an organized and well-stocked dye shop, including proper storage of materials, chemicals, and dye supplies.

Follow established health, safety, and environmental procedures when handling dyes, chemicals, and equipment.

Your Qualifications

Training or professional experience in textile dyeing, textile finishing, costume crafts, costume painting, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.

Previous experience working in a theatre, costume shop, textile workshop, or similar production environment preferred.

Knowledge of dye chemistry, dyeing techniques, and processes for working with different fabrics and materials.

Strong color perception and an understanding of how colors and fabrics appear under theatrical lighting.

Ability to work independently with a high degree of accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.

Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the flexibility to work within production schedules and deadlines.

Knowledge of appropriate health and safety practices when handling chemicals and operating dye equipment.

We Offer

A creative and collaborative work environment.

The opportunity to contribute your specialized craft to world-class opera productions.

The opportunity to work alongside a talented team of dedicated costume and production professionals.

Competitive compensation and union benefits.