Freelance Junior Draper

National Opera Center; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Grand Opera's Costume Shop is seeking a skilled patternmaker to create patterns for all costume builds and support alterations, working closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor, Head of Costumes, and designers.

Ideal candidates have at least five years in patterning, draping, and sewing for costumes, can lift 30 lbs, and are able to meet project deadlines in a fast-paced theatre environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional patterning, draping, or tailoring experience.
• Minimum 5 years of professional cutting and sewing experience.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs, stand for long periods, and work with pattern specifications.

Responsibilities

• Create patterns accurately for all builds in collaboration with designers.
• Assist with alterations and prep work under supervision.
• Take accurate measurements of all performers.
• Evaluate rental costumes and determine course of action.

Skills

Patterning

Draping

Tailoring

Sewing

Education

Degree in Costume Technology/Production

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Job description

To work with the Houston Grand Opera Costume Shop Department to create patterns according to all costume production needs and assist with all facets of the costume construction process.

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, Head of Costumes, and Designers to create patterns accurately for all builds.


• Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor to assist with all aspects that are involved with building and prepping alterations of costumes.


• Take accurate measurements of all performers.


• Evaluate/ measure rental costumes and determine course of action.


• Work closely with Costume Shop Supervisor to calculate all materials needed for builds/ alterations and for stock.


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

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 5 years of professional patterning/draping / tailoring experience in a costume shop or fashion industry.


• At least 5 years of professional cutting and sewing experience in a costume shop or fashion industry.


• Ability to accurately create patterns according to specifications at a moderate pace (from sketch, research, or samples).


• Able to sew and operate industrial sewing machines at a moderate pace.


• Ability to stand for long periods of time.


• 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/rehearsal schedule and overtime may be required and mandatory.

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 20 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.

Desired Start Date

August 25, 2026

BENEFITS

• Pay Range: $24 - $27 Hourly

Application Deadline

September 25, 2026

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