- Job Title: Costume Director
- Reports to: Director of Production & Facilities
- Classification: Seasonal, exempt
Palm Beach Opera seeks a Costume Director to begin work in the summer/fall 2026. This position is responsible for the procurement, alteration, and construction of all costumes and related items required for the Palm Beach Opera season. The Costume Director will supervise wardrobe personnel at the shop for fittings and alterations, and supervise wardrobe crew at the theatre for rehearsals and performances. This position requires a full-time commitment from November through March, with part-time remote work in the off-season for future season planning.
Primary Responsibilities
- Serve as the company’s primary costume liaison with Stage Directors, Costume Designers, Director of Production, and Renting Company Supervisors.
- Research packages of rental costumes for upcoming seasons and potential titles, and make artistic and budgetary recommendations.
- Coordinate the acquisition, purchase, alteration, and return of all costume materials.
- Plan and assign rented costumes for production with particular attention to casting, size, storytelling, and alterability of rented garments.
- Design and supervise the construction of additional, alternate, and/or special costumes as needed.
- Provide rehearsal costumes as requested by Stage Directors and Stage Management.
- Advise Stage Directors and support the artistic vision of each production, ensuring costumes are realized at a high artistic standard, in a timely manner, and within budget.
- Attend and supervise all fittings, rehearsals when costumes are being worn, and all production meetings.
- Supervise all Wardrobe related activities, from managing workflow and scheduling adequate crew within budgetary parameters, to assigning projects and ensuring their timely completion, tracking hours, and overseeing the crew in the shop and at all rehearsals and performances.
- Maintain updated measurement sheets for all artists, coordinating with the artistic staff and other costume departments to collect recent measurements, updating onsite as necessary, and organizing in company’s files and on ArtsVision.
- Maintain accurate tracking of expenses, payroll, and petty cash.
- Maintain a clean, safe and well-stocked workspace.
- Collaborate with other company departments for donor engagement, social media, and presentations as necessary.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a costume department or related position. Previous costume design experience and work with an IATSE crew are advantages.
- Extensive knowledge of costume history, construction techniques, fabric, and costume shop procedures, as well as a thorough understanding of current best practices for fittings and costume alterations. Knowledge of art history and the traditions and literature of opera are advantages.
- Dedication to PBO’s mission to set the benchmark for artistic excellence.
- Effective leadership qualities, with a positive and respectful attitude.
- Ability to establish priorities and multitask, with strong organizational, quantitative, and creative problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and meticulous attention to detail.
- Knowledge of computerized information systems and their application, including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office. Familiarity with ArtsVision is an advantage.
- Must have the ability to work flexible hours, including extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
- Must have the ability to stand for long hours, climb stairs and use step ladders, lift and carry up to 30 pounds, and tolerate exposure to common laundry chemicals.
- Access to reliable transportation.
This job description is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. While this listing is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the company reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed or assigned.
Please forward your cover letter and résumé in pdf format to: jbruckerhoff@pbopera.org. Please address communications to Jeff Bruckerhoff, Director of Production & Facilities.
