A four-show repertory model keeps things fascinating for the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) Production team. How do we put on four full productions on the same stage at the same time? Well, that’s the magic we need you for. Our production team is a mix of OTSL veterans and young people with emerging talents in production working together and learning from each other. It’s part of our mission to help train and advance the next generation of theatre professionals. Our intimate space holds 987 seats around a ¾ thrust stage and supplies the perfect setting for collaboration. Rehearsals and changeovers give crew members the chance to support, and take part in, this partnership across all fields of production. Problem solvers, curious minds, passionate dreamers, and doers will help bring our 48th season to the stage. Join us, won’t you?

Available Positions

Stitchers

First Hands

Drapers

Crafts Artisans

Costume Assistants

At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our vibrant community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

If you need assistance or an accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4226 or mmyers@opera-stl.org.

Stitchers

Dates of Employment
03/25/2024 – 06/16/2026 | Somewhat flexible start date

Previous costume construction experience required. Stitchers work with a First Hand to implement the construction plan for each costume as assigned by their Draper and the Costume Shop Manager.

Some responsibilities include assembling costume pieces, repairing and altering costumes, responding to notes from the Draper and First Hand, and participating in general shop activities.

Stitchers can be assigned periodic night and weekend work as determined by the Costume Shop Manager. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, lifting up to 50lb, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and operating moving machinery (sewing machine, serge machine, etc.)

Limited housing is available if needed.

Interviews will begin in January 2024.

First Hands

Dates of Employment
03/25/2024 – 06/16/2024 | Somewhat flexible start date

Previous costume construction and time management experience required. First Hands work with a Draper to implement the approved construction plan for the costumes assigned by the Costume Shop Manager.

Some responsibilities include estimation of materials required, researching materials and techniques, repairing and alteration of costumes, responding to notes, and participating in general shop activities.

First Hands can be assigned periodic night and weekend work as determined by the Costume Shop Manager. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, lifting up to 50lb, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and operating moving machinery (sewing machine, serge machine, etc.)

Limited housing is available if needed.

Interviews will begin in January 2024.

Drapers

Dates of Employment
03/25/2024 – 06/16/2024 | Somewhat flexible start date

Previous draping and product management experience required. Drapers create and manage the construction plan, with materials, for each costume in collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager and designers.

Some responsibilities include patterning and building from approved renderings, attending fittings, responding to notes, providing assignments to First Hands and Stitchers, and participating in general shop activities.

Drapers can be assigned periodic night and weekend work as determined by the Costume Shop Manager. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, lifting up to 50lb, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and operating moving machinery (sewing machine, serge machine, etc.)

Limited housing is available if needed.

Interviews will begin in January 2024.

Crafts Artisans

Dates of Employment
03/25/2024 – 06/16/2024 | Somewhat flexible start date

Previous costume crafts construction experience required. Craft Artisans create the accents of each character design as assigned by the Craft Shop and Costume Shop Managers.

Some responsibilities include building wearable crafts in various media, assisting in estimating materials required, repairing and restoring pieces, responding to notes, and participating in general shop activities.

Artisans can be assigned periodic night and weekend work as determined by the Craft Shop and Costume Shop Managers. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, lifting up to 50lb, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and operating moving machinery (sewing machine, serge machine, etc.)

Limited housing is available if needed.

Interviews will begin in January 2024.

Costume Assistants

Dates of Employment
03/25/2024 – 06/16/2024 | Somewhat flexible start date

Previous costume experience highly preferred. Shop Assistants are assigned to two of the four shows in our season. They work closely with the Costume Shop Manager to keep the shop and each show organized during the build process.

Some responsibilities include organizing materials in the shop including labeling and swatching fabric, updating measurement grids, updating the photos in the DropBox daily, creating and organizing show paperwork, setting up the fitting rooms each day, taking notes in fittings, assisting with ordering, labeling and tracking packages and return items, responding to notes, and participating in general shop activities. Shop Assistants may be asked to drive Costume Designers to shops or vendors, mileage reimbursement is available.

Shop Assistants can be assigned periodic night and weekend work as determined by the Costume Shop Manager. Physical requirements include repetitive motion, lifting up to 50lb, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and operating moving machinery (sewing machine, serge machine, etc.)

Limited housing is available if needed.

Interviews will begin in January 2024.

Apply