Head of Costumes

This is a Full Time Job

Head of Costumes - Houston Ballet

Come work with us at Houston Ballet!
Join a leading nonprofit arts organization that's redefining what ballet can be. We're committed to inspiring a lasting love of dance through bold performances, new choreography, and nationally recognized education programs. At Houston Ballet, your creativity meets purpose-and your passion takes center stage. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, every role here contributes to something bigger.

- Your Passion. Our Stage.

* For full consideration, please be sure to combine your resume and cover letter into one document to upload when you apply.

*Please note: This position requires work outside normal business

Position Summary:

The Head of Costumes leads all aspects of costume production, maintenance, and wardrobe for the ballet company's repertory and new productions, ensuring artistic excellence, efficiency, and adherence to all applicable collective bargaining agreements. This position manages a team of union and non-union staff, overseeing the costume shop and wardrobe departments in collaboration with designers, choreographers, dancers, and stage management.

Key Responsibilities:

Artistic and Production Oversight
• Serve as the primary liaison between costume designers and the company, interpreting designs and overseeing construction, fitting, and finishing of costumes for all productions.
• Attend design meetings, technical rehearsals, and production meetings to ensure costume execution meets artistic and production standards.
• Supervise alterations, repairs, and maintenance of costumes for all performance runs and tours.
• Along with Wig and Makeup Supervisor, oversee wig maintenance and styling, as well as makeup plots for all performance runs and tours.
• Ensure all costume elements meet safety, durability, and comfort requirements for dancers.

Staff Management and Labor Relations
• Along with the Costume Shop Managers, direct and supervise stitchers, drapers, wardrobe personnel, and dressers; assign tasks according to skill, project deadlines, and CBA work rules.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable collective bargaining agreements, particularly those covering IATSE wardrobe locals or other applicable theatrical unions.
• Collaborate with union stewards and Production Management on labor matters including work calls, overtime, grievances, and jurisdictional clarifications.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and equitable work environment for all staff.

Budgeting and Administration
• Develop and manage costume department budgets, including labor, materials, maintenance, and rentals.
• Maintain accurate records of expenditures, inventories, and costume documentation.
• Oversee purchasing, rental negotiations, and costume stock management.
• Coordinate costume logistics for touring and off-site engagements.
• Manage inventories and order all company and second company rehearsal and performance shoes.

Wardrobe and Performance Operations
• Along with Wardrobe Coordinator, oversee dressers and wardrobe crew for all performances, ensuring quick changes, laundry, repairs, and proper prep of costumes are executed efficiently.
• Ensure maintenance of costume bibles, wardrobe tracks, change plots, and dresser assignments.
• Troubleshoot backstage wardrobe issues during dress rehearsals and performances.

Qualifications:

Required:
• Minimum 5+ years of professional experience in costume production and wardrobe, including supervisory experience in a unionized environment.
• Proven expertise in costume construction, patterning, draping, and wardrobe management.
• Familiarity with ballet costuming, including the unique construction needs of tutus, stretch garments, and dancewear.
• Working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and experience managing union personnel.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple productions on overlapping timelines.
• Proficient in budgeting, scheduling, and inventory systems.
• Willingness to work nights, weekends, and travel with the company as needed.

Preferred:
• Experience in a major ballet or dance company.
• Bachelor's degree in Costume Design, Theatrical Production, or related field.
• Familiarity with IATSE agreements, particularly wardrobe locals (e.g., Local 764, 887, etc.).

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in costume shop, backstage, and during performances and rehearsals.
• Requires lifting, bending, sewing, and standing for extended periods.
• Evening and weekend work required during performance periods.
• Travel may be required for touring productions.?