Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor
DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY
The Costume Shop Manager / Wardrobe Supervisor oversees all costume shop and wardrobe operations for the Festival Season. Working closely with the Director of Production, Costume Designers, and other department heads, this position is responsible for managing the day-to-day workflow of the costume shop, supervising wardrobe staff, and ensuring the successful preparation, maintenance, and running of costumes for a rotating repertory festival season.
This role balances light hands-on costume construction as well as wardrobe duties with leadership, planning, and coordination, ensuring that costumes are executed to design specifications, performers are supported, and productions run smoothly from first fitting through closing performance.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE
- Oversee all costume shop and wardrobe operations for the Festival Season, ensuring costumes are prepared, maintained, and run smoothly for a rotating repertory schedule.
- Supervise, schedule, and mentor Stitcher/Dressers and Costume Interns, providing clear direction, training, and support while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Manage costume construction, alterations, fittings, and finishing in alignment with designer specifications and production timelines. (Note: The CCO Costume Shop does not create complete costume builds but may occasionally be asked to construct and/or source individual costumes.)
- Organize and lead costume fittings, maintain accurate paperwork, and ensure timely follow-up on notes and adjustments.
- Oversee the tracking, care, and return of rented costume packages, including inventory management and organization.
- Supervise wardrobe operations during technical rehearsals and performances, including dressing support, quick changes, maintenance, and laundry.
- Coordinate closely with Costume Designers, Stage Management, Wig & Makeup, and Production to ensure clear communication and seamless integration across departments.
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized costume shop, wardrobe, and storage spaces, and monitor supply needs.
- Support performers and production staff with professionalism, adaptability, and a solution-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.
- The person in this position moves across and around Central City’s mountain environment multiple times daily, including traversing steep hills, unpaved areas, and tight corners.
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
An ideal candidate is a highly organized, proactive leader with strong technical costume skills and a collaborative management style. They are calm under pressure, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with the ability to balance big-picture planning and hands-on execution. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a professional demeanor are essential, as is the ability to support artists and staff in a fast-paced repertory environment. A willingness to be a friendly, steady, and supportive presence for performers and crew is key to success in this role.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant prior experience in theatrical costume construction, alteration, and wardrobe operations is required.
- Previous experience supervising or leading a costume shop or wardrobe team is strongly preferred.
- Experience working in a professional theater environment, particularly during technical rehearsals and performances, is required.
- Strong sewing, tailoring, and garment finishing skills, including proficiency with industrial sewing machines and hand-stitching techniques.
- Knowledge of pattern creation and alteration, draping, and the understanding of fabric behavior, durability, and care across a variety of materials is preferred.
- Familiarity with historical periods, styles, and costume techniques.
- Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to anticipate needs, solve problems independently, and respond effectively to last-minute changes.
- Comfortable taking direction from senior leadership while also confidently leading and supporting a team.
- Clear, professional, and effective communication skills when working with designers, performers, stage management, and production staff.
- Ability to work long and irregular hours during rehearsals, technical periods, and performances while maintaining focus and professionalism.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and well-functioning costume and wardrobe operation.
COMPENSATION
For this role, Central City Opera can provide a fee of $1,200.00 per week for twelve (12 1/2) weeks. Dates of in-person work are May 20 through August 7, 2026, though can be flexible for the right candidate. One week of remote work that encompasses meetings and prep work to be mutually agreed upon.
In addition, CCOHA will provide rent-free housing accommodations and a prepaid, round-trip air coach ticket, or its cash-equivalent, for transportation from city of residence or engagement en route and return to city of residence.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
CCO is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive and equitable work environment. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values, and we are currently working to expand our capacities in these areas with a company-wide understanding that this is an ongoing process that must be embedded into the fabric of the organization. We encourage candidates who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, otherwise-abled, and other underrepresented identities to apply. All applications will receive consideration for employment.
Desired Start Date: March 26, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $1,200 - $1,200 Weekly
COMPENSATION
For this role, Central City Opera can provide a fee of $1,200.00 per week for twelve (12 1/2) weeks. Dates of in-person work are May 20 through August 7, 2026, though can be flexible for the right candidate. One week of remote work that encompasses meetings and prep work to be mutually agreed upon.
In addition, CCOHA will provide rent-free housing accommodations and a prepaid, round-trip air coach ticket, or its cash-equivalent, for transportation from city of residence or engagement en route and return to city of residence.
HOW TO APPLY
Visit link to apply: https://centralcityopera.bamboohr.com/careers/68Application Deadline: April 26, 2026
Application Email/Link: centralcityopera.bamboohr.com/careers/68
JOB CONTACT
Margaret Williams, Managing Director