Costume Dyer, Per Diem

The-Metropolitan-Opera; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Creative environment

Union benefits

World-class productions

Job summary

The Metropolitan Opera’s Costume Shop is seeking a Dye Technician to join its team of skilled professionals. This role focuses on dyeing, overdyeing, and finishing fabrics and costumes under designers’ guidance, ensuring color accuracy for on-stage appearances.

Ideal candidates will have textile dyeing experience, knowledge of dye chemistry, and a strong eye for color under theatrical lighting, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively on tight production schedules in a theatre

Qualifications

• Training or professional experience in textile dyeing, textile finishing, costume crafts, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of dye chemistry, dyeing techniques, and processes for different fabrics and materials.
• Strong color perception and understanding of how colors appear under stage lighting.
• Ability to work independently with accuracy, organization, and attention to detail.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work within production schedules and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Dye, strip, and overdye fabrics, finished costumes, and accessories according to designers' specifications.
• Mix and prepare dyes, develop color samples, and adjust colors for stage lighting.
• Apply dyeing techniques to various fabrics and materials.
• Evaluate color consistency, fabric quality, durability, and washability for production runs.
• Collaborate with designers, craftspeople, and Costume Shop members to meet production requirements.
• Maintain an organized dye shop with proper storage of materials and chemicals.
• Follow health, safety, and environmental procedures when handling dyes and equipment.

Skills

Textile dyeing

Color perception

Attention to detail

Independent work

Collaboration

Job description

About Us

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.