Costume Director
/Job Title:
Costume Director
Organization:
Vancouver Opera
Deadline:
Jul. 19, 2026
Organization Description:
Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire, and entertain our community through voice, music, and theatre.
Vancouver Opera is the second-largest opera company in Canada. It is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions; for its country-leading education programs, which have reached more than 1.6 million children and their families in more than 65 years; for its innovative and award-winning community programs; and for forging ground-breaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to new generations of Canadians in recent history.
Website:
Job Description:
Reports to: Director of Artistic & Production
Direct Reports: N/A
Liaises with: Technical Director, IATSE Head of Wardrobe, IATSE Head of Props, Production Assistant, Stage Managers, Company Manager, Tour Manager, Orchestra Manager, Music Staff, VO Staff, IATSE Crew, Senior Management, VO Chorus, Orchestra, Guest Artists
The Person
The ideal candidate has a critical eye, exceptional attention to detail, and able to understand the overall artistic vision. They are a proactive self-starter, skilled problem solver, and able to work independently. They can anticipate challenges before they arise. The successful candidate has a strong understanding of unionized work environments and industry best practices, maintains a positive and professional attitude in high-pressure situations, and demonstrates sound judgment and adaptability. They foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaborate effectively, and contribute to a strong, team-oriented working environment.
Position Summary
This is a pilot position at Vancouver Opera. The role is responsible for overseeing the adaptation and cohesion of rental costume packages for a new cast, ensuring that the costumes align with the production Stage Director’s vision. The Costume Director will work closely with the Director of Artistic & Production, the Head of Wardrobe and the Stage Director. The role will also consult on future programming at Vancouver Opera.
Schedule
The Costume Director will be able to self-manage part-time limited hours from August 24, 2026 – June 30, 2027, but will have two full-time residency periods (which will include working some evenings and weekends):
Tosca
September 21 – October 24, 2026
The Barber of Seville
January 4 – February 13, 2027
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
-In-depth analysis of librettos, noting key elements for costume, wigs, hair, make-up
-In-depth analysis of archival videos, if available, for productions to be presented
-Evaluate rental costume packages and identify any gaps between the package contents and completed casting
-Cost and detail wardrobe needs, with Technical Director & Head of Wardrobe, per production
-Recommend Chorus & Supernumerary casting assignments, based solely on package inclusions
-Collaborate with the Stage Director and uphold their vision for the production
-Oversee Principal fittings, as needed for Chorus & Supers fittings
-Liaise between Head Wardrobe and Stage Director for look approvals and any additional requests
-Consult on priorities for the Costume Shop (i.e. order of creation and acquisition)
-Work with Head of Wardrobe to create wardrobe paperwork for transition to the theatre
-Seek approvals from rental company and/or original costume designer for adaptations
-Consult on future season costume budgets
Qualifications:
-Bachelor’s degree in Costume Technology, Costume Design, or equivalent experience.
-Working knowledge of costume history, textiles, and construction/tailoring
-Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills.
-Proven experience in managing assets for large-scale productions and liaising with a diverse team.
-Proven ability to meet deadlines.
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
-Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
-A collaborator with staff, professional colleagues, and supporters, contributing in a substantive and positive way.
How to Apply:
VO strives to provide meaningful employment opportunities, reflecting the range of diverse communities in which we live and work. Our vision is a resilient organizational culture which is inclusive and diverse in all its aspects. Individual differences are not only accepted but are strongly valued and encouraged. We recognize that our diversity, the many different and unique things we individually and collectively bring to work each day, contributes to building a stronger workplace and healthier communities. VO welcomes and encourages applications from women, persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with diverse abilities, and members of other marginalized or under-represented groups. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
To apply, please email your cover letter and résumé to nlamb@vancouveropera.ca with the subject line “Costume Director Application – [your name].”
Remuneration:
The candidate will be engaged as an independent contractor, for a flat fee of $20,000.
