Costume Supervisor, Opera

About the role

The opera costume department employs about 45 full-time staff members and a varying number of on-call workers. Some work is also outsourced to external workshops. Every year, thousands of costumes, headpieces, shoes, and accessories are made, purchased, altered, and fitted.  

As a costume supervisor, you will coordinate the costume production process for the operas assigned to you. You will maintain close contact with the costume designer, the purchasing department, the workshops, and all other parties involved in the production process. Each year, you will oversee approximately four opera productions from start to finish. These productions usually follow one another, though sometimes several run concurrently; however, work on multiple productions is always underway simultaneously. This means the workload has its peaks and valleys. Peak periods can be hectic but are often also exciting. Examples of your responsibilities include: 

• providing the workshops with information about designs and any subsequent modifications; 
• identifying bottlenecks in the production process and proposing solutions; 
• ensuring compliance with agreed-upon artistic, technical, and financial guidelines; 
• supervising the rehearsal period; 
• preparing costume lists and workbooks, and ensuring proper filing. 

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a pleasant colleague who can adapt well to the working styles of various designers while remaining steadfast when it comes to overseeing the production process and the budget. Thanks to your artistic insight and your knowledge of theater costume production, you will be a valuable partner for both the designer and the workshop managers. You have gained this knowledge and experience at professional, medium-sized or large theater companies or with a recognized costume designer. You have a good understanding of textiles (Detex) and experience leading projects. 

The Dutch National Opera works with international artistic teams. Fluency in English is a must. You are flexible, including in your communication style; you don’t get flustered easily; and you help maintain a calm atmosphere in the Costume Department thanks to your excellent organizational and written and verbal communication skills. 

What we offer

• a one-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position;
• a salary ranging from €3,228 to €4,474, depending on your knowledge and experience, excluding vacation pay;
• 30 vacation days and 5 compensatory time off days;
• 8% vacation pay and a good pension plan; 
• an attractive package for opera and ballet performances;
• education and training opportunities; 
• a contribution toward a gym membership; 
• travel expenses;
• The NO&B collective bargaining agreement applies to this position; 
• You’ll be working in a unique setting in the heart of Amsterdam, surrounded by creativity and craftsmanship. 

Interested?

Are you interested in this position? Please submit your resume and cover letter by October 13 via the “Apply” button on our website. We process applications through our HR software, so please do not apply via email. We aim to respond to your application within one week of the job posting’s closing date.  

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet embraces diversity and inclusion. Job openings are open to everyone.  

Contact

If you have any questions about the position, please feel free to email Jojanneke Gremmen, Head of Costume Production, at j.gremmen@operaballet.nl. If you have questions about the application process, please contact HR at hr@operaballet.nl. 

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.