Freelance Opera Costume Technician

Houston Grand Opera Association Inc; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Grand Opera is seeking a skilled Costume Shop Associate to support the production team in building and altering costumes for performances in Houston, TX. The role focuses on precise stitching, fabric prep, and quality finishing to ensure costume integrity.

You will work with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper, performing alterations, fabric prep, and occasional millinery tasks. A 3+ year sewing background in a costume context is required, with overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional sewing and alterations in a costume shop or fashion-related industry.
• Excellent sewing skills across diverse fabrics.
• Proficient with industrial sewing machines and hand sewing.
• Experience in production stitching, garment construction, and finishing.
• Basic knowledge of cutting, patterning, and tailoring; dying and craftwork a plus.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs and hang costumes on 6’6” racks.
• Degree in Costume Technology/Production or related field a plus.
• Schedule may fluctuate with fittings and rehearsal schedule; overtime may be required.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper on building and altering costumes for productions.
• Accurately stitch alterations and new builds in a wide variety of fabrics according to specifications.
• Prepare costumes for fittings by pre-altering according to performer’s measurements.
• Assist in prepping fabrics for new builds: washing and ironing, or pre-steaming.
• Assist with unpacking costumes, measuring, rehanging, and steaming as needed.
• Assist in warehouse tasks: restocking, packing, organizing stock for rental shows.
• Support occasional crafts, and millinery work.

Skills

Sewing & alterations

Industrial sewing

Hand sewing

Garment construction

Patterning & cutting

Weight handling 30 lbs

Costume production

Attention to detail

Education

Costume Technology/Production degree

Job description

Houston Grand Opera is seeking a skilled Costume Shop Associate to support the production team in building and altering costumes for performances in Houston, TX. The role focuses on precise stitching, fabric prep, and quality finishing to ensure costume integrity.

You will work with the Costume Shop Supervisor and Draper, performing alterations, fabric prep, and occasional millinery tasks. A 3+ year sewing background in a costume context is required, with overtime as needed.