Costume Workroom Manager

About the Washington National Opera

In 1956, the sound of opera rang out in DC, heralding the birth of a new company. Four decades and countless artistic leaps later, Washington National Opera continues to move boldly forward on the great adventure that began years ago in a university auditorium. Washington National Opera is now one of the nation's leading opera companies and plays to standing room audiences in the Kennedy Center.

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. 

Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts. 

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 2023 staff video!

Job Description

Manage the efficient and professional operation of the costume and crafts workrooms. Maintain the workroom facility, equipment, and supplies. Ensure that all costume activities meet the expectations of budget and artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Planning

• Assist in the analysis of costumes to be rented, remounted, or newly designed for future productions. Help to determine cost feasibility, workloads, and production timeline.
• Create workroom planning calendars in accordance with the approved labor budget.
• Manage measurement databases for all performers. Procure updated measurements and coordinate logistics for onsite measurement sessions.

Costume Personnel

• Ensure that all positions within the costume workrooms are filled as appropriate.
• Identify, interview, hire, and onboard new costume workroom employees.
• Assist with the training of all workroom employees in proper production techniques and WNO quality standards.
• In conjunction with the Costume Design Manager, manage work assignments for project leaders in the costume and crafts workrooms.
• Manage the costume and crafts workroom schedules and coordinate overtime needs within the approved labor budget.
• Coordinate the contracting and payment of any hourly employees working outside of the WNO Studio.
• Submit bi-weekly payroll for hourly employees and maintain labor records.
• Ensure that workroom employees and costume volunteers have appropriate access to safety and personnel resources and procedures.
• Promote a supportive and collaborative work environment. Provide ongoing and annual evaluations for direct reports.

Production

• Thoroughly review and become familiar with the costume needs for each production.
• Assist in the evaluation and assignment of projects to the costume and crafts workrooms.
• Contribute to establishing timelines for each production and work to ensure that benchmarked goals are achieved.
• Maintain the organization of the costume ready room. Print labels for rack tags, accessory bags, and shoe boxes for each production.
• Schedule fittings for all non-principal artists.
• Monitor the progress of projects in the costume and crafts workrooms and ensure that staff and resources are appropriately distributed.
• Ensure that all costumes are constructed and altered according to WNO standards.
• Assist with the completion of costume construction, alteration, and labeling as appropriate.
• Inventory and pack all costumes being sent to the theater for production.
• Facilitate the movement and accounting of all costume pieces moving to and from the theater between dress rehearsals.
• Attend dress rehearsals as requested
• Ensure that post-production work is completed on all costumes.

Facility and Equipment

• Provide a safe and comfortable working environment for staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a stock of sewing, tailoring, and craft supplies.
• Maintain an inventory of workroom equipment and ensure records are up to date.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic repair of workroom equipment. Coordinate professional repair as necessary.
• Ensure that the fabric storage room is maintained in a clean and orderly manner.

Volunteer Management

• Collaborate with the KC Friends department to ensure that volunteer needs for the WNO Costume Department are met.
• Coordinate volunteer coverage for weekly production needs and special projects.
• Provide costume volunteers with the necessary training and project oversight.

Other

• Ensure that all costume department activities occur within established budget parameters.
• Assign and supervise the completion of costume repair or refurbishment for stock and repertoire costumes.
• Facilitate costume projects for other Kennedy Center departments, outside companies, and individuals.
• Attend Costume staff meetings.
• Attend bi-weekly Production staff meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in theater or comparable professional experience, with training in costume design and production.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Working knowledge of a variety of costume construction methods, materials and techniques including draping, stitching, fabric modification, millinery and leather work.
• Comprehensive training in the safe operation of costume equipment, including industrial speed sewing machines and commercial steam irons.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems and their applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office and FileMaker Pro.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must exercise good judgment, show initiative and handle sensitive data in a trustworthy manner.
• Discretion, maturity, and composure, especially under pressure.
• Ability to establish priorities and handle numerous assignments simultaneously.
• High standards and strong sense of responsibility.
• Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.

Additional Information

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must be able to climb and work safely from ladders
• Travel up to 5% may be required.