First Hand (Costume Department)

About the Washington National Opera

Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera (WNO) is today one of America’s largest opera companies. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for opera and its audiences. As an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and social impact programs year-round.

WNO Mission Statement: Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera and a flagship of the Kennedy Center, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.

WNO Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Joy

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

Assist in pattern making, construction, fitting, alteration, and refurbishment of costumes for all WNO productions, galas, concerts, and events. Contribute to the efficient and professional execution of work performed in the Costume Workroom.

Key Responsibilities

Costume Personnel

• Assist the Draper in instructing and supervising workroom staff in costume construction and alteration techniques.
• Administer stitching tests to potential hires when requested.

Costume Facility

• Maintain a safe and comfortable working environment for all staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Ensure that equipment is properly maintained.
• Monitor the use of workroom supplies and inform the Draper when items need to be replenished.
• Keep informed about industry standards and new products.

Pre-Production

• Measure costumes for all shows that use an existing set of costumes.
• Pre-alter and refurbish costumes prior to fittings as instructed.
• Assist with patternmaking, fabric cutting, stitching and alterations as instructed by the Draper.
• Assist the Draper in determining best construction techniques for specific projects.
• Assist the Draper in supervising construction, alterations and the completion of fitting notes through to completion.
• Ensure that costumes are constructed or altered according to proscribed company standards.
• Ensure that work on all costumes is completed accurately and on schedule.

Costume Fittings

• Assist the Draper in conducting costume fittings for performers in each production as assigned.
• Ensure that every performer is reasonably comfortable in costume.
• Record stitching notes from each fitting as needed.

Dress Rehearsals

• Attend all dress rehearsals as requested by the Draper.
• Provide the Wardrobe Supervisor with specific dressing instructions when required.
• When appropriate, communicate dressing instructions directly to wardrobe personnel to ensure that each performer is accurately costumed.
• Communicate with performers to address questions and concerns.
• Assist in the organization of notes on any work to be done after dress rehearsals.
• Assist the Draper to coordinate the completion of sewing notes.

Post-Production

• Assist in the completion of post-production work on all assigned costumes.
• Assist the Draper in archiving patterns, fabrics and trims.

Other

• Attend weekly Costume Studio staff meetings.
• Assist with the organization and storage of all supplies.
• Set up and supervise volunteer projects as requested.
• Assist in the supervision of costume interns and apprentices as requested.
• Provide costume support for other company departments as necessary.
• Other department needs as assigned by the Costume Director.    
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary education in or basic knowledge of costume design, costume history, patternmaking, stitching and tailoring techniques.                      
• Professional experience in construction, tailoring of men’s and women’s clothing.
• Experience with supervising employees, scheduling, and time management.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Basic knowledge of costume history.
• Comprehensive knowledge of various costume construction skills, including sewing and tailoring.
• Basic knowledge of draping, patternmaking and crafts.
• Proficiency in the operation of all costume workroom equipment.
• Basic knowledge of workroom equipment maintenance.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office and Filemaker Pro.
• This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.