Costume Shop Manager

The Costume Shop Manager is responsible for all aspects of costume production and wardrobe operations for Oregon Ballet Theatre’s main company, junior company, and school productions, and marketing, development, and outreach events.

The Costume Shop Manager works independently under general guidelines provided by OBT’s Production Director or OBT2’s Program Director. The work is nuanced as each production has its own unique requirements. The role manages the costume shop’s daily operations, overseeing costume construction & repairs, fittings, rentals, budgeting, equipment maintenance, stock upkeep, and supervision of costume shop and union crews.

The Costume Shop Manager also collaborates with designers and choreographers to achieve artistic goals within resource constraints. This position requires independent problem-solving and efficient prioritization in fast-paced production environments.

• Oversee all wardrobe-related hiring, onboarding, scheduling, training, evaluations, and payroll, including union and over hire personnel.
• Manage workloads to meet production deadlines and foster a supportive environment focused on skill development in patterning, draping, fitting, and construction.
• Ensure confidentiality, uphold safety standards, and maintain an inclusive, respectful workplace.
• Interpret and realize designers’ visions with strong creative and construction skills, including pattern-free costume creation.
• Supervise all aspects of costume production: bids, alterations, maintenance, cleaning, hair/wig and makeup design, fittings, and storage.
• Conduct fittings with professionalism for company members, students, guests, and supernumeraries.
• Maintain detailed records: inventories, plots, dressing tracks, laundry charts, rentals, etc.
• Support marketing, development, and outreach with costume needs for photo/video shoots, touch tours, displays, and other events.
• Participate hands-on in construction, stitching, patterning, crafts, and hair/makeup work as needed.
• Oversee all backstage wardrobe operations at venues: setup, staff schedules, quick changes, laundry, repairs, and dressing rooms.
  • Collaborate with the Production Director on budget planning, expense tracking, and reconciliation.
• Research and recommend capital purchases; serve as purchasing agent for supplies, dancewear, and shoes. •
• Act as backup shoe manager—ordering, organization, dyeing, distribution, and repairs.
  • Attend and contribute to meetings, rehearsals, run-throughs, and planning sessions.
• Prepare, pack, and transport costumes to and from venues.
• Assist with season planning, calendaring, and policy development for costume related needs.
• Coordinate costume rentals: pricing, documentation, inventory, and shipping.
• Present costume processes for tours, events, and facility visits.
• Address concerns with active listening, follow-up, and solution-oriented responses.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Costume Shop Manager provides direct supervision to varying numbers of temporary employees including a draper, firsthand, shoe manager, seasonal stitchers and craftspeople, volunteers, and union stagehands, depending on the size and complexity of the production.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This position regularly requires extended hours and weekend work. Flexible scheduling of work hours is an option.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 4-5 years’ experience or formal training with in-depth knowledge in all aspects of theatrical costuming. •
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the following areas:
  • Costume construction
  • Costume design
  • Costume maintenance
  • Training & management of (union stagehands (IATSE)/non-union crews)
  • Dance/theatre production
  • Nonprofit management o Operations
  • Budgeting
  • Payroll
  • Hiring
  • Contracts
  • Labor laws (unions, etc.)
  • Scheduling
  • Multitasking
  • Interpersonal skills
• Cutting, hand & machine sewing/stitching, draping, pattering, altering, costume crafts such as dyeing, millinery, or leather work
• Operating and maintaining industrial and domestic sewing and serger machines
• Ballet shoe fitting
• Experience with…