Freelance Costume Tech

National Opera Center; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,308,000 - 71,635,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Grand Opera's Costume Shop is seeking a skilled sewer to contribute to productions through stitching, alterations, and fabric prep.

You will work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper, assist with fittings, and help prep costumes for shows and storage in the warehouse.

Requirements include at least 3 years in clothing sewing and alterations, proficiency with industrial sewing machines, ability to lift 30 lbs, and a degree in Costume Technology or related field is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in clothing sewing and alterations in costume or fashion.
• Experience with production stitching and garment construction.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of cutting, patterning, and tailoring; dyeing is a plus.
• Able to work with various fabrics and maintain quality.

Responsibilities

• Sew, alter, and prep costumes for productions.
• Prepare costumes for fittings using performer measurements.
• Assist in fabric prep, washing, ironing, or steaming.
• Assist with warehouse stocking, packing, and organizing stock.
• Support crafts and millinery work as needed.
• Collaborate with Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes.

Skills

Sewing proficiency

Hand sewing

Industrial sewing machines

Fast-paced environment

Lift 30 lbs

Education

Costume Technology/Production degree

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Patterning

Tailoring

Job description

To work with the Houston Grand Opera Costume Shop Department with all aspects that are involved in the realization and production of costumes with an emphasis on stitching.

Join Us!

We are looking for talented, passionate, and dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to ourcommunity and our mission. If you are excited about this position but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply!You may bejustthe right candidate for this position or another role at HGO.

About the Houston Grand Opera

The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera. We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, three Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors.

Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand. We believeevery team member enriches our organization by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper in all aspects of building and altering of costumes for productions which include but are not limited to: sewing, prepping fabrics for new builds, and cutting.

Accurately stitch alterations and new builds in a wide variety of fabrics according to specifications.

Prepare costumes for fittings by pre-altering costumes according to performer’s measurements.

Assist in the prepping of fabrics for new builds: washing and ironing, or pre-steaming.

Assist from time to time to prepare shows by unpacking costume, measuring/ rehanging/ and steaming.

Assist from time to time in the Houston Grand Opera Warehouse in the restocking/packing / organizing of costume stock, rental shows, and fabric restock organization.

Assist with occasional crafts, and millinery work.

Other Duties

Assist the Costume Shop Supervisor and Head of Costumes on department projects from time to time as needed and assigned.

Qualifications

At least 3 years of professional experience in clothing sewing construction, and alterations in a costume shop or fashion related industry.

Excellent sewing skills: ability to accurately sew in a wide variety of fabrics.

Proficient in operating industrial sewing machines as well as hand sewing in a fast-paced environment.

Experience in production stitching, garment construction techniques, and finishing.

Basic knowledge of cutting, patterning, and tailoring (dying and craftwork a plus).

Ability to lift 30 lbs. to waist level.

Ability to hang costumes on 6’6” clothes racks.

A degree in Costume Technology/Production or related field a plus.

At times schedule may fluctuate depending on fittings and rehearsal schedule and overtime may be required.

Special Job Characteristics

Ability to organize, prioritize and maintain several projects at once and sustain productivity under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, management, vendors, and artists.

Ability to meet deadlines.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those we consider important for an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job: extended periods of sitting and performing tasks such as typing and using a computer mouse, with strong visual and auditory focus, occasional lifting (not exceeding 30 pounds), reaching for items, effective communication skills, and fine motor abilities, being mobile within the office for activities like attending performances, events, and meetings. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.

Desired Start Date

August 25, 2026

BENEFITS

Pay Range

$20 - $25 Hourly

Application Deadline

September 25, 2026