Draper/Stitcher

Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Conservatory at Berklee is seeking a Draper/Stitcher to translate costume designs into garments for theater, dance, and opera. The role reports to the Costume Shop Manager and collaborates with designers and student workers.

This on-site, hourly position features a unique schedule: full-time September–May with summers off. Responsibilities include fittings, alterations, and training students, with a salary range of $20–$26 per hour depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design, Theater/Production Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent plus 2+ years in a professional costume shop.
• Proficiency in pattern drafting, draping, and operating industrial sewing equipment.
• Experience in Higher Education is preferred.
• Solid understanding of costume operations across theater, dance, and opera.

Responsibilities

• Complete alterations, draping, patterning, tailoring, and stitching per production needs.
• Take student measurements, assist fittings, fit mockups and final garments.
• Support training of student workers in costume organization and construction methods.
• Maintain equipment, housekeeping, and stockrooms.
• Collaborate with coworkers to complete daily tasks.

Skills

Pattern drafting

Draping

Industrial sewing

Stretch materials

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design, Theater/Production Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent

Job description

Job Description:

Boston Conservatory at Berklee (BCB) is looking for a creative, detail-oriented Draper/Stitcher to translate costume designs from sketches into fully realized garments across theater, dance, and opera productions. Reporting to the Costume Shop Manager, the Draper/Stitcher collaborates closely with the rest of the Costume Shop staff, interfaces with costume designers, and assists in the guidance of student workers.

Unique Schedule Highlight: Full-time September–May with Summers Off! Enjoy an ideal balance between dedicated, high-impact creative work and personal time. This hourly position follows a seasonal schedule with full-time hours scheduled September-May, and summers off.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete assigned costume alterations, draping, pattening, tailoring, and stitching based on production needs.
• Take student measurements, assist in fittings as needed, fit mockups and final garments.
• Support the training and instruction of student workers in costume organization and construction methods.
• Maintain equipment, assist with shop housekeeping, and organize stockrooms and supplies.
• Innovate and collaborate with co-workers to complete all daily Costume Shop tasks and assigned duties.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Costume Design, Theater/Production Design, Fashion Design, or equivalent, plus 2 or more years of professional costume shop experience as a stitcher/draper. Experience working in Higher Education is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in pattern drafting, draping, and operating industrial sewing equipment. Proficiency working with stretch materials is preferred.
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of costume operations across theater, dance, and opera.
• Collaboration: Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

Culture & Life at Berklee

At Berklee, artistic expression and education thrive together. The community aligns around a shared mission to nurture innovative talent and foster inclusive, mission-driven creative work. Staff members enjoy a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives, creative freedom, and genuine work-life balance.

Hiring Range

$20-$26; dependent on relevant experience and education. Please visit the Total Rewards page to learn more about the benefits of working at Berklee.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance. Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [e-mail] or call 617-747-2375.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type

Staff