Cutter/Draper

Opera Colorado; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 45,500 - 52,780; Full time

Job summary

Opera Colorado in Denver is seeking a skilled Cutter/Draper to join the Costume Shop. This role involves directing and supervising costume construction, drafting and draping patterns, and ensuring the maintenance of shop equipment.

The ideal candidate will have experience in costume construction and alterations, along with supervisory capabilities. This is a seasonal position with a pay range of $1,000 to $1,160 per contract week.

Qualifications

• Experience in costume construction, fittings, and alterations working with various materials.
• Proficient in drafting and draping patterns for costumes, especially period clothing.
• 1 to 2 years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the work of First Hands and Stitchers in the costume shop.
• Draft and drape patterns as needed for supplemental looks.
• Supervise and perform cutting, construction, alterations, and repairs.

Skills

Costume construction skills

Drafting and draping patterns

Advanced sewing techniques

Supervisory experience

Computer proficiency

Job description

Job Description

The Cutter/Draper is a key member of the Company’s Costume Shop reporting to the Costume Director and is responsible for the execution of costume drafting/draping and the supervision of costume construction or alterations. The Cutter/Draper is also responsible for assisting the Costume Director in facilities and asset management supervising equipment maintenance and ensuring adequate stock of tools, consumable, supplies, and notions.

Position Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise the work of First Hands and Stitchers in the costume shop.
• Measure all rental costumes after they arrive to assist with costume assignments.
• Establish and supervise alteration methods ensuring safety of rental packages.
• Draft and drape patterns as needed for supplemental looks to rental packages requested by directors or for construction of new shows completed in house.
• Supervise and perform cutting, construction, alterations, notes, and repairs.
• Participate in fittings with Costume Director.
• Attend all dress rehearsals and subsequent tech notes sessions.
• Be onsite during all show calls to assist with emergency repairs or to step in as a backup dresser if needed.
• Assist Costume Director with load out of the venue.
• Supervise and conduct alteration restorations as required by the rental package.
• Assist Costume Director with receiving, packing, and shipping of rental packages.
• Supervise maintenance on shop equipment and inventory.
• Enforce Opera Colorado policies, procedures, and work rules.
• Maintain measurements database.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment.
• Maintain a positive and communicative atmosphere in the workroom and with management and mediate any conflicts among personnel or with designers.

Qualifications

• Experience in costume construction, fittings, and alterations working with a wide variety of materials.
• Proficient in drafting and draping patterns for costumes especially period clothing.
• Proficient in advanced sewing techniques.
• Proficient in the preparation, use, and troubleshooting of costume shop equipment.
• 1 to 2 years of supervisory experience
• Able to use and navigate a computer, search the internet, and perform simple edits documents and spreadsheets.
• Experience as a draper/cutter in a professional costume shop is preferred but not required
• Flexibility for evening and weekend hours

Personal Characteristics

• A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to Opera Colorado’s mission, artistic vision, and values.
• An organized leader capable of delegating tasks and managing time and projects effectively under production deadlines
• A good listener, able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan.
• A flexible and creative individual who can find alternative ways to reach objectives when barriers arise, a skilled negotiator.
• A team builder – confident and competent; one who understands the subtleties of motivating and directing a diverse group of personalities with different work styles.
• Emotionally mature with a good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.

Additional Information

The Cutter/Draper is a seasonal, exempt position working 30 contract weeks during the season earning a weekly salary. They may also be requested to work, as available, on projects and planning during non-contract weeks and during such work will be paid hourly. Pay range is $1,000 to $1,160 per contract week and $25 to $29 per hour during non-contract weeks depending on experience.

The Cutter/Draper will be on contract weeks during the following periods:

• September 12, 2022 – November 27, 2022 (11 weeks)
• January 9, 2023 – May 21, 2023 (19 weeks)

All weekday performances are 7:30pm and Sunday performances are 2:00pm. *November 10th is a student matinee with a 10:00am curtain.

• Verdi’s Rigoletto: November 5, 8, *10, 11, 13 | 2022
• Korngold’s Die Tote Stadt: February 25, 28 and March 3, 5 | 2023
• Puccini’s Turandot: May 6, 9, 12, 14 | 2023