LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LAO employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles.  

Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content. 

About the opportunity: 
We are looking for a temporary Craftsperson with experience in painting and sculpting, to join our Costume Shop team for approximately 6 to 8 weeks during our 2025/26 season, with the potential for an extension of the employment period. The desired start date is January 12, 2025. 

This is a full-time, temporary position based out of the LA Opera Costume Shop in downtown Los Angeles that includes occasional evening and weekend work, in addition to a Monday to Friday schedule.  

This position is represented by Local 768, IATSE, and the terms and conditions of employment are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between Local 768 and LA Opera. The anticipated hourly base rate of pay for this position is between $28.00 and $32.00 per hour, dependent on experience. 

Key responsibilities include the following: 

• Creating new craft items using artistic ability and creative judgment under direction of the Team Lead 
• Performing tasks such as millinery, dyeing, aging, stitching, and other specialty crafts, such as creating sculpted masks and head-pieces 
• Accurate alteration/modification and repair of crafts items 
• Assisting in measuring and assigning hats and other crafts pieces to artists 
• Assisting with pre-construction and pre-fitting work including organization of crafts pieces checking for pre-alterations and repairs. 
• For projects where assigned as project lead, creating prototypes and patterns, conduct fittings, and managing project through completion.  
• Assisting with maintaining craft supply and inventory, ensuring all products are correctly labeled and stocked. 
• Attending dress rehearsals take notes for alterations for non-principals, as assigned. 
• Attending fittings, as directed, to fit costume pieces of assigned crafts projects 
• Assisting in preparing craft pieces for cleaning, restoring costumes and organizing materials 
• Adhering to all Health and safety procedures, using appropriate PPE as required/directed. 
• Other duties as assigned.  

 Who we’re looking for:
Successful candidates will have: 

• Experience as a Craftsperson in a professional theatrical costume shop, or experience creating custom-made crafts in a professional crafts environment  
• Demonstrated creative and artistic aptitude   
• Advanced knowledge of fabrics and fibers and craft materials including thermoplastics, buckram, felt, leather work, various foam goods  
• Skill with dyeing and color matching, painting, and distressing/aging  
• Skill in sculpting, casting/mold making 
• Demonstrable creative/ artistic aptitude, with good sense of color theory, balance and proportion 
• Knowledge of Costume history including, hats and accessories 
• Understanding of fit, scale and proportion, especially of headwear 
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Aptitude with researching techniques, products and period styles. 
• Demonstrated success in a deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities 
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work in addition to Monday to Friday schedule 

We are committed to a workplace in which everyone has equitable opportunities and experiences a sense of belonging, and we are seeking a Craftsperson who champions and demonstrates this commitment. 

To apply:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application here.  

LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories.