Costume Shop Manager
DESCRIPTION
Arizona Opera is seeking a skilled, collaborative and dedicated Costume Shop Manager to join its team as the company builds on its 55-year legacy toward a vision centered on community, education, collaboration, artistic excellence and innovation.
Founded in 1971, Arizona Opera is a cornerstone of the arts and culture community in Arizona, serving both Phoenix and Tucson with a mission to connect and inspire its communities through artistically vibrant programs and productions that combine music, storytelling, and the human voice. Arizona Opera has become known for its acclaimed productions, prolific education and community-centric programming, and commitment to both classic and contemporary works.
At the heart of Arizona Opera’s vision is a deep commitment to connecting communities through the power of opera. This commitment is evident in Arizona Opera’s productions, its community engagement initiatives, and its education programs that reach across the state, bringing the artform to diverse audiences and inspiring future generations of artists and opera lovers alike.
Like many performing arts organizations around the country, Arizona Opera is navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, including issues affecting attendance and contributed income. To address these challenges, Arizona Opera has recently adopted a new strategic plan, focused on financial and organizational sustainability, education, community engagement, and collaboration.
Job Title: Costume Shop Manager
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Department: Production
Reports To: Director of Production
FLSA Status: Not Eligible for OT (Exempt)
Classification: Full-time, Salaried
Salary range: $52,000 - $55,000 (commensurate with experience)
The Costume Shop Manager leads Arizona Opera’s costume department and is responsible for realizing the costume designs for the company’s productions, on time and within budget. As a member of the Production department, the Costume Shop Manager serves the whole company, working closely with the Director of Production, designers, stage management, and artistic and administrative colleagues to deliver productions in Phoenix and Tucson and to support the company’s education, community engagement, and rental programs.
The Costume Shop Manager is a working leader who guides the day-to-day activity of the costume shop, from build planning and fittings through performances and strike, and who also stewards the long-term health of the costume collection and rental program. They establish a safe, healthy, and positive work environment and are committed to mentoring the next generation of costume professionals.
The Costume Shop Manager attends costume-related rehearsals, fittings, and dress rehearsals, is a visible presence at Arizona Opera events, and works evenings and weekends as the production calendar requires. The role may also be asked to help the company in ways beyond costuming.
Essential Functions
Lead the realization of all costume designs for Arizona Opera productions, including building, pulling, purchasing, renting, altering, and fitting, in collaboration with designers and the Director of Production.
Develop build plans, schedules, and labor forecasts for each production in consultation with the Director of Production, and communicate priorities clearly to the costume team.
Lead the costume team through load-in, fittings, technical and dress rehearsals, performances, and strike, delegating work and managing time across the shop.
Pull or coordinate costumes for smaller productions and programs, such as Studio Series, education, and community engagement performances, as needed.
Coordinate all costume fittings in collaboration with stage management and artistic operations, and lead respectful, inclusive fittings so that costumes fit and function for artists of all body types.
Attend costume-related rehearsals and note sessions, and distribute notes and follow-up to the costume team.
Collaborate with the Wardrobe Supervisor on backstage operations, including maintenance, run paperwork, and quick-change needs.
Costume Collection & Rentals:
Steward Arizona Opera’s costume collection, including inventory records, storage, condition, and care.
Support the costume rental program by providing input on incoming and outgoing rental packages, preparing accurate piece lists and condition documentation, and coordinating preparation, packing, and return. The Director of Production oversees rental contracts and agreements.
Coordinate costume requirements for co-productions and for productions borrowed or purchased from other companies.
Budget Administration:
Manage the costume department budget in partnership with the Director of Production, including tracking, coding, and forecasting expenses by production and project in accordance with company accounting practices.
Purchase, rent, and acquire materials, supplies, and equipment within approved budgets and company purchasing procedures.
Maintain accurate schedules, timesheets, and payroll documentation for costume personnel in compliance with company policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Maintain organized systems and records for the department and adapt to new tools and technologies that support departmental workflow.
Team Leadership & Safety:
Recruit and interview costume personnel and recommend hires to the Director of Production; onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate costume staff, apprentices, and over-hire crew.
Provide timely feedback, reviews, and career coaching, and work with the Director of Production on any performance concerns.
Mentor apprentices, including those in Arizona Opera’s Production Apprentice Program, and share knowledge generously.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized shop and storage areas, ensure safe use of equipment and materials, and follow all company safety policies and procedures.
Production & Company Collaboration:
Participate in production meetings and collaborate with colleagues across the Production department on shared processes, schedules, and resources.
Assist the Director of Production in identifying and selecting costume designers and other costume personnel.
Collaborate with other Arizona Opera departments, including Artistic, Education and Community Engagement, Development, and Marketing, on events, programs, and activities that involve costumes.
Attend Arizona Opera performances and special events as needed, serving as a welcoming presence for artists, staff, donors, and guests.
Provide flexible support to the company beyond costuming, including designing, building, and supporting other departments.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Qualifications & Special Requirements:
3+ years of professional costume shop experience, including at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role
Working knowledge of costume construction, patterning, draping, fitting, alteration, and finishing, with the ability to work hands-on in the shop
Ability to interpret designer renderings and communicate clearly with designers and costume staff
Knowledge of theatrical production processes, costume history, and theatrical safety practices
Experience developing and managing budgets, schedules, and labor forecasts
Familiarity with working under collective bargaining agreements, such as IATSE and AGMA, is preferred
Demonstrated discretion in handling finances and confidential information
Must work evenings and weekends, with extended hours during technical and performance weeks
Bachelor’s degree in costume technology, costume design, theatre production, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
The Successful Candidate Will:
Be a team-focused self-starter with a passion for sharing knowledge and developing others
Communicate and collaborate effectively, and stay calm and professional in a fast-paced production environment
Manage multiple projects at once, prioritize well, and adjust timelines as needs change
Show sound critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and take initiative to see what needs attention and act on it
Approach every team member with kindness, assume good intent, and make space for new ideas and differing opinions
Support a healthy work-life balance for the team and for themselves
Contribute to a respectful, inclusive workplace
Computer Skills:
Proficient with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams, and with Windows-based systems
Comfortable working in shared file systems such as SharePoint and learning new scheduling, expense, and inventory tools
Physical Demands:
Extended periods at a workstation, using a keyboard, viewing a computer screen, and communicating by telephone and in person.
Extended periods standing, sewing, pinning, and fitting; reaching, bending, and kneeling; use of ladders; and the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and to move costume racks, bins, and equipment. Some special event setup and breakdown may be required.
Work Environment:
Work takes place in the costume shop, offices, storage areas, and performance venues. The environment is generally collaborative and busy, and intensifies during production periods with long hours. Work involves shop equipment such as sewing machines, irons, and steamers, and exposure to fabric dust, dyes, and adhesives.
Travel/Other Requirements:
Primary residency in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area is required. Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license are required.
Travel to Tucson as needed for productions, and other in-state or out-of-state travel related to the role.
Flexible schedule that will require working evenings and weekends to attend rehearsals, fittings, performances, and special events.
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to HR@azopera.org, with "Costume Shop Manager" in the subject line.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
Arizona Opera is an Equal Opportunity employer. The Arizona Opera does not discriminate against an Employee or candidate for employment because of his or her race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or nationality, age, disability, veteran status, marital status or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, engagements, assignments, training, discipline, termination, promotions or other conditions of employment or career development. We offer Reasonable Accommodations where necessary to candidates for employment and to our qualified employees with disabilities.
Desired Start Date: December 1, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $52,000 - $55,000 Annual
HOW TO APPLY
Send cover letter, resume and names and contact information for three references to HR@azopera.org, with "Costume Shop Manager" in the subject line.
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
Application Email/Link: hr@azopera.org