Job Opportunities

Costume Designer
The Academy of Vocal Arts is currently accepting resumes and portfolios for the position of Costume Designer for our upcoming 2025–26 season, which features three operas.

Compensation: $3,500 – $4,500 per production based on skill level and experience

• Le nozze di Figaro, opening November 8, 2025
  Staging begins October 13, 2025.
  
  
• I Capuleti e i Montecchi, opening February 28, 2026
  Staging begins February 2, 2026.
  
  
• Falstaff, opening April 18, 2026
  Staging begins March 23, 2026.

Costume Designer Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collaborate with the director, set designer, producer, costume shop supervisor, hair and makeup artist, and wardrobe showrunner to understand the vision and requirements for costumes based on the overall artistic concept for each production.
• Conduct research on historical periods, styles, and cultural fashions relevant to each production.
• Sketch costume designs and create detailed illustrations.
• Select and purchase appropriate accessories for each costume.
• Coordinate with the Costume Shop Supervisor and help arrange for the rental or purchase of costumes from other costume rental shops, ensuring timely pick-up, delivery, and prompt return to minimize rental costs. (Please note: due to limited costume shop space and labor, costumes for each production will be pulled from in-house stock, rented or purchased.)
• Administer budgets and timelines for costume development and production in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Production Manager.
• Work with the costume shop supervisor to maintain an inventory of costumes.
• Attend fittings, rehearsals, and meetings to identify costume-related needs and make necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate with the wigs and makeup artist to ensure a cohesive visual representation of characters.
• Knowledge of opera is preferable but not required.

Work Hours: Work hours may fluctuate and could encompass evenings and weekends, depending on the schedule of each production.

To apply, please send your resume, cover letter, and costume design portfolio to opportunities@avaopera.org. 

The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) is an internationally renowned institution that trains young artists as opera soloists. Ava is an Equal Opportunity Employer.