Cutter​/Draper - LA Opera Costume Shop

Overview

LA Opera is looking for a temporary Cutter/Draper to join our Costume Shop team for at least eight weeks, with the potential for extension. The desired start period is February or March 2026. This full-time, temporary position is based out of the LA Opera Costume Shop in downtown Los Angeles. The schedule includes occasional evening and weekend work, in addition to a Monday to Friday schedule.

This position is represented by Local 768, IATSE, and the terms and conditions of employment are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between Local 768 and LA Opera. The current hourly base rate of pay for this position is $36.50.

• Managing a crew of First Hands, Tailors/Seamsters; planning work assignments to ensure the work is completed in a timely manner
• In collaboration with Costume Designer, Production Supervisor and Costume Director, using creativity to interpret designs (both with and without two-dimensional sketches and renderings)
• Creating patterns and prototypes for garments using established and original methods
• Measuring, assigning and fitting existing costume pieces and supervising set-up and completion of alterations
• Conducting fittings, in coordination with Production Supervisor and Costume Designer, to determine required actions for artistic or technical completion of the product
• Measuring and assigning existing costumes in collaboration with the Production Supervisor and Costume Director, determining when a new build is necessary
• Attending dress rehearsals, troubleshooting, and taking notes for alterations from artists and the creative team
• Other related duties as assigned

• Extensive experience as a Cutter/Draper or Tailor in a professional theatrical costume shop
• Advanced knowledge of stage costume construction, structured tailoring and period costume history
• Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of construction of structured suiting and tailored theatrical costumes
• Strong knowledge of fabrics and fibers used in costume making, including canvases and interfaces
• Ability to interpret and execute complex designs
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills
• Proficiency in structured suiting, hard and soft tailoring for all body types, tailoring and hand sewing techniques used in tailoring
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities for costume builds and fittings
• Familiarity with costume requirements specific to opera singers
• Demonstrated skill in effectively and respectively supervising, motivating, and evaluating a team of first hands, and tailors/stitchers
• Demonstrated success in a deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt and learn new skills
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work in addition to Monday to Friday schedule
• Commitment to an inclusive, equitable workplace

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application here. Applications received by Feb. 15 will receive full consideration. Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in the field of Costume Construction are especially encouraged to apply.

LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LAO employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles.

Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content.

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories.