Come work with us at Houston Ballet! Picture yourself at an amazing organization committed to inspiring a lasting love and appreciation for dance through artistic excellence, exhilarating performances, innovative choreography, and superb educational programs. At Houston Ballet, you’ll be surrounded by creative teams who challenge you, support you, inspire you, and celebrate artistic achievement.
Visit: www.houstonballet.org for more information.
The Cutter/Draper is responsible for patterning and cutting assigned costumes to be built by the costume shop at Houston Ballet. Working in collaboration with the Head of Costumes and Costume Shop Manager, they evaluate materials and labor requirements for each production throughout the season. Their role is centered on supporting the artistic vision and collaboratively bringing costume designs to life. This position operates under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local #896.
Responsibilities Include:
- Draft patterns, cut, construct, and alter costumes in accordance with renderings or research provided by designer.
- Assemble build information per show to create show bible.
- Supervise stitchers during the construction of assigned costumes, including fabric preparation.
- Conduct fittings and take artist measurements as needed throughout season.
- Maintain a high level of craftsmanship and artistic excellence while working within deadline and budget.
- Participate in maintenance, cleaning and organization of costume shop, machines, tools, and equipment to ensure clean and safe environment.
- Maintain discretion and diplomacy in all activities to ensure that performers feel supported and safe.
- Additional duties as assigned by Head of Costumes and Costume Shop Manager.
Qualifications/ Skills include:
- Three years in a professional theater as cutter/ draper with five years costume construction experience in a professional theater, or equivalent experience.
- Broad knowledge of theatrical construction techniques and materials with familiarity in dancewear a plus.
- Ability to operate a variety of sewing machines.
- Ability to work well under pressure and respond calmly and efficiently to notes generated during build and tech process.
- Knowledge of fabrics.
- Skilled in both draping and flat patterning.
- Ability to work in an environment with adapting priorities while maintaining a spirit of creative thinking and problem solving.
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.
