Full-time Head of Costumes

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.

Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.

* * * 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 896, 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.

Benefits:

Houston Ballet presents an enticing benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:

• Healthcare Benefits:  We've got your back (and your teeth and your eyes)!  Embrace our comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.  Choose from plans with low-cost or zero monthly premiums, complemented by provisions for paid life and AD&D insurance, and versatile spending accounts.
• Retirement Plan: Secure your future through our 403(b) plan, bolstered by a substantial 5% annual contribution from Houston Ballet, empowering you to save and thrive.
• Paid Time Off:  Embrace a healthy work-life balance with 3 weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid sick days, and 10 paid holidays.  Paid parental leave is also available to support your personal milestones.
• Professional Development: Fuel your career ambition with access to online training and professional growth resources specific to arts management, empowering you to advance your career on your terms.
• Discounts and Perks: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Houston performing arts scene with discounted and complimentary tickets to captivating ballet performances and other Houston theater district venues. Enjoy exclusive partnerships with local businesses and eateries for unforgettable experiences.
• Wellness Programs: Prioritize your well-being with access to our on-site gym and counseling services through our employee assistance plan, providing comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellness.
• Flexible Scheduling:  Acknowledging the evolving nature of work preferences, certain positions offer flexible work hours and remote work options.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Statement:

Houston Ballet is dedicated to creating meaningful change by cultivating a space that honors what is unique in all of us. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are instrumental in the fulfillment of our mission and values. We recognize our responsibility to be an inclusive and open organization for students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Join us, together we are Houston Ballet.

Core Values:

Houston Ballets shared values are essential to our success as a world-class ballet company and academy. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape our culture.

• EXCELLENCE: We are passionate about results. Our programs are recognized and awarded for excellence. We are committed to delivering quality programs at the highest standard. Work in all departments matches the caliber of the programming on stage.
• ENGAGED: We are proud to be a part of a company that produces art and trains artists. We attend performances and are tremendous advocates for the education and community engagement programs we offer. We are all in and well-versed in the mission of Houston Ballet.
• DRIVEN: We are driven to take goals and run with them. We are excited to deliver results beyond expectations. We are accountable for our actions and work. We reinvent Standard Operations Procedures, leaving our jobs better than we found them. Much of our work product becomes the standard for individuals who will fill our roles in the years to come.
• COLLABORATIVE: We unite around Houston Ballets mission and support each other in reaching goals. We share information widely and generously and treat our team members, customers, and patrons with respect and sensitivity. We embrace inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We recognize our responsibility to be an open, welcoming, and anti-racist organization where students, artists, staff, trustees, and volunteers of all backgrounds collaboratively learn, work and serve. We nurture the growth and understanding of how each of us fits into the larger picture and we celebrate organizational achievements.
• PATRON-CENTERED: Our patrons (subscribers/supporters/donors/stakeholders) are at the center of all we do and are at the top of our minds in our decisions and actions. Our patrons are delighted by the excellent customer service they receive at every interaction at Houston Ballet.