Jr. Draper
Arizona Opera seeks to add the position of Jr. Draper to its overhire team. This position oversees and runs all costume fittings in collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager and Assistant Costume Shop Manager. It supports the creation, alteration, and upkeep of costume pieces for Arizona Opera productions, including minor patterning and draping. Additionally, this role involves supervising construction and alterations to ensure fidelity to the original design. Close collaboration with costume shop staff is essential to meet deadlines and maintain design integrity. Reporting to the Costume Shop Manager, ideal candidates will demonstrate artistic vision, adaptability, and excel in a detail-oriented environment.
Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal access and opportunity to anyone who qualifies, regardless of sex, race, age, color, religion, mental or physical disability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, and/or military status. Arizona Opera is committed to racial equity and to dismantling historic barriers of oppression.
If you are concerned that you don’t meet every requirement listed below, we encourage you to still apply. You may have the skills and experience that complement others in the department, and you could be the perfect addition to our team. We are open to adjustments to best fit people interested in being a part of the Opera.
Arizona Opera is one of the few opera companies in the United States that performs in more than one city and venue. Rehearsals, tech, and opening performances of our main stage productions take place in Phoenix. Following the Phoenix performances, the production travels to Tucson, Arizona, where it receives its closing performance.
Engagement
Start Date: December 2, 2024
Break for the holidays: December 23 – 25, 2024 and December 30, 2024 - January 1, 2025
End Date: February 7, 2025
Location: Phoenix, AZ, In Person
Qualifications
- Degree in theatre/fashion technology and at least two years of professional First Hand experience and two years of professional stitching experience or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Willingness to adhere to Arizona Opera’s production standards and safety policies.
- Strong communication, organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills are a must.
Expectations
- Efficiently and professionally run costumes fittings for full cast and provide fitting requests to the Costume Shop Management team.
- While not currently expected, may need to generate patterns using draping, drafting, or flat pattern techniques based on designer renderings, existing package pieces, and supporting research depending on evolving production requirements.
- Cut patterns as needed.
- Correct and/or recut patterns throughout the mockup and fitting process while upholding construction/alteration standards.
- Discuss assigned builds with the Costume Shop Manager and Costume Designer/Coordinator, ensuring adherence to artistic intent within budget and time constraints.
- Help direct stitchers through build/alteration process by supplying written or verbal instructions and guidance.
- Process and prepare fabrics for cutting.
- Build, tailor, or alter costumes when not cutting.
- Collaborate with Lead Stitcher to maintain a project list with time estimates and help lead stitching team to pace project work to meet deadlines and maintain workflow.
- Assist taking/updating performer measurements and help maintain measurements for current show/season.
- Participate in general costume shop activities including but not limited to assisting with strike, pulling/restocking costume pieces in the warehouse, organizing and inventorying shop supplies, and cleaning and restocking fitting rooms after fittings.
Physical Demands and Work Conditions
- General office, costume shop, and backstage environment.
- Non-temperature-controlled warehouse.
- Extended periods standing at a cutting table and/or sitting at a sewing machine.
- Ability to perform duties within a rigorous schedule when necessary.
- Capable of climbing ladders and step stools.
- 8-10 hour shifts.
- Possible pre-scheduled evenings and weekends.
Salary and Benefits
- Job Type: Overhire, Non-exempt, not eligible for healthcare benefits
- Pay Rate: $35-$39/hour
- Subject to change: approximately 20 hours of overtime expected
- All overtime is paid at 1.5 times the ‘hourly-rate’ for the employee
To Apply
Applicants for this position should email a cover letter, resume, and any available portfolio materials.
Send to ATTN: Jr. Draper at production@azopera.org.
For more details on this posting, please email Shelby Joiner, Costume Shop Manager, at sjoiner@azopera.org.
This posting will remain open until November 15, 2024 or until right candidate is found.
Apply early. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis.
About Arizona Opera and The Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard Costume Artisan Workshop
Arizona Opera elevates the transformative power of storytelling through music—cultivating community and strengthening a state and people as adventurous and diverse as the place they call home. Our vision is to be an industry leader in artistic vitality, delivery of civic value, audience expansion, institutional strength, and sustainability.
The Marlu Allan and Scott Stallard Costume Artisan Workshop’s mission is to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where creativity thrives, and every interaction is a memorable experience. Rooted in our commitment to professionalism and mutual respect, we adhere to a set of core principles that guide our daily operations, ranging from maintaining respectful communication to upholding consistent shop standards. Through these principles, we strive to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our productions and create a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates creativity, professionalism, and collaboration.
For more information about Arizona Opera, visit our website.