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Opera Costume Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Child Supervisor, individuals are responsible for monitoring children during rehearsals, costume fittings, and performances. At the Opera House, supervisors will escort children backstage and ...

Solid understanding of costume operations across theater, dance, and opera. * Collaboration: Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, team-oriented environment. Culture & Life at ...

Solid understanding of costume operations across theater, dance, and opera. * Collaboration: Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic, team-oriented environment. Culture & Life at ...

As a Child Supervisor, individuals are responsible for monitoring children during rehearsals, costume fittings, and performances. At the Opera House, supervisors will escort children backstage and ...

There are connections between theatre and the art forms of ballet, opera (which uses staged, costumed performances with singing and orchestral accompaniment) and various other forms. Example of ...

Stage Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$21.78 - $30.53/hr

As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work Shift: Range: UR URG 106 H Compensation Range: $21 ... This includes working in the costume shop and may include cutting, draping and building of costumes ...

Stage Assistant

Rochester, NY · On-site

$21.78 - $30.53/hr

As Scheduled Department: 300950 ESM Opera Work Shift: Range: UR URG 106 H Compensation Range: $21 ... This includes working in the costume shop and may include cutting, draping and building of costumes ...

Draper

Boston, MA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

... opera, or a comparable professional performance environment. Experience must extend beyond academic or student productions. In consultation with the Director of Costumes, the Draper will lead a team ...

Draper

Boston, MA

$65K - $70K/yr

... opera, or a comparable professional performance environment. Experience must extend beyond academic or student productions. In consultation with the Director of Costumes, the Draper will lead a team ...

Showing results 21-40

Opera Costume information

What are opera costumes?

Opera costumes are the specialized clothing and accessories worn by performers during an opera production. These costumes are designed to reflect the historical period, social status, and personality of the characters they represent. Costume designers work closely with directors and other creatives to ensure that the costumes enhance storytelling and complement the overall visual style of the production. Opera costumes often require careful craftsmanship, attention to detail, and considerations for singers' comfort and movement on stage.

What are some unique challenges faced by costume professionals working in opera productions?

Costume professionals in opera often encounter the challenge of creating visually stunning and period-accurate costumes that must also allow for the demanding vocal and physical performances of opera singers. They collaborate closely with directors, set designers, and performers to ensure costumes enhance storytelling while accommodating quick changes and the practicalities of performing under stage lighting. Additionally, maintaining and repairing intricate costumes throughout a production run requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opera costume designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opera Costume Designer, you need expertise in costume design, garment construction, textile knowledge, and a background in fashion or theater arts. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, sewing machines, and familiarity with costume history are typically required, along with formal education in costume design or related fields. Creativity, attention to detail, strong collaboration, and time management are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure that costumes enhance the storytelling, meet the production’s visual and practical needs, and contribute to the overall success of the opera.

What is the difference between Opera Costume vs Costume Designer?

AspectOpera CostumeCostume Designer
CredentialsTypically requires fashion or costume design training, sometimes with specialized theater or opera experienceRequires fashion or costume design education, portfolio, and industry experience
Work EnvironmentOperates mainly in theater or opera house settings, collaborating with directors and performersWorks across various industries including theater, film, TV, and fashion, often in studio or production settings
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily employed by opera companies, theaters, or production housesEmployed by theaters, film studios, fashion houses, or freelance clients

Opera Costume specialists focus specifically on designing and creating costumes for opera productions, often requiring knowledge of historical and theatrical costume design. Costume Designers have a broader scope, working across multiple entertainment and fashion industries. While both roles require similar skills and education, Opera Costume professionals specialize in the unique needs of opera performances.

What other helpful pages are available for Opera Costume?

Other pages related to Opera Costume:

Infographic showing various Opera Costume job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

FWS - Theater & Opera Production, Student Assistant Specialist

Manhattan, NY • On-site

The New School
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Join The New School
At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.
The Performance Operations area at the College of Performing Arts seeks a highly motivated student to serve as Theater & Opera Production Student Assistant Specialist. We're looking for self-sufficient, adaptable, hard-working individuals to support initiatives within the Production area. This position reports to the Producer of Theater and Opera and is an ideal position for students who are interested in a career in Non-Profit Arts Management or Entrepreneurship or Technical/Theatrical Production.
This position is open to student applicants with Federal Work Study awards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assist Production Management with multiple fall/spring projects, including but not limited to Mannes Opera and School of Drama BFA and MFA productions.
  • Maintain campus access records to confirm that temporary employees have building access for all work-related calls.
  • Schedule design, production, or various other meetings for assigned projects - taking notes and distributing meeting minutes.
  • Attend and support required load-ins, strikes, run-throughs, technical rehearsals, and dress rehearsals as assigned.
  • Schedule rehearsal and performance space usage in coordination with production, academic & university teams.
  • Independently lead small-scale projects.
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Interpersonal skills that allow the individual to function in a variety of settings among widely different groups of people.
  • A unique combination of creative and analytical talents.
  • The ability to work productively and graciously under strict time constraints.
  • Flexibility and a "team player" sensibility.
  • Enthusiasm to learn the operations of carpentry/rigging, lighting, sound, carpentry/props, costumes, ground plans, and light plots.
  • Recipient of Federal Work Study award.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • BFA Student in Dramatic Arts.
  • MFA Student in Contemporary Theater Performance.
  • MA Student in Arts Management and Entrepreneurship degree program.
  • MM Student in Voice.

WORK MODE
  • On-Campus Position -Employees in this position are expected to work on-campus during regularly scheduled work hours due to the nature of the work being that which is not feasible, or not in the best interest of the organization, to be performed remotely. #LI-DNI

HOURLY RATE
  • $18.00 per hour
  • Hours per Week: up to 15-20, not to exceed 20 hours in a single workweek while classes are in session

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Applicants should submit a resume outlining their skills and experience concerning this position, as well as a Federal Work Study award letter if applicable.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.
Responsibilities:
Assist Production Management across fall and spring Mannes Opera and School of Drama productions by coordinating venue scheduling, meeting logistics, and temporary employee access records. Attend and support key production milestones including load-ins, technical rehearsals, and strikes while independently leading small-scale projects and handling additional responsibilities as assigned.
We look forward to receiving your application!