Costume Production Stock & Rental Supervisor

Company: Los Angeles Opera

Company Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Full Time

Date Posted: March 4, 2025

Network(s): Other

DESCRIPTION

LA Opera is looking for a Costume Production Stock & Rental Supervisor to develop, implement, and oversee protocols, procedures, and personnel related to managing costumes and related materials. This role supervises our costume warehouse team and oversees the inventorying and tracking of costumes, coordinates the transportation and shipping of costumes, manages full-cycle costume rentals, and is responsible for other functions related to the tracking, storage and transportation of costumes.

Reporting to our Costume Director, this is a full-time position, with primary work locations being the LA Opera Costume Shop in downtown Los Angeles and a costume storage site in Vernon, California (a city adjacent to downtown Los Angeles). Occasional evening and weekend work is required, in addition to daytime weekday hours.

The anticipated annual starting salary range for this exempt role is $68,500 to $70,000.

Primary responsibilities:

• Develop, refine, and administer processes and systems for inventorying and tracking costume pieces while costumes are in production 

• Track and manage the safe and timely transportation of costume items between the costume shop, the opera house, and costume storage sites 

• Continually analyze space needs for current operas and general costume stock. Supervise rotation, reorganization and long-term upkeep of stock/warehouse inventory as necessary. 

• Coordinate and manage the safe and timely domestic and international shipping of costumes, ensuring compliance with all applicable customs and other requirements   

• Maintain an accurate and comprehensive database of productions and costumes available for rental, prepare rental information materials, and communicate with parties interested in rentals 

• Develop rental agreements that support the company’s interests and monitor costume rental agreements to ensure all parties comply with terms and conditions. 

• Occasionally travel to other domestic and international performing arts companies to oversee the pack-in/pack-out of costumes LA Opera has rented out.

• Oversee the pack-in/pack-out of costumes the company has rented from external parties 

• In collaboration with the Head of Wardrobe and Cutters/Drapers, determine the laundry and dry-cleaning needs of costumes, document cleaning guidelines, and coordinate special needs with costume cleaning vendors 

• Along with the Costume Supervisors and Warehouse Manager, analyze and reconfigure costume staging areas to maximize efficiency and ease of access 

• Oversee the management and purchase of warehouse supplies and stock fabrics and notions, ensuring adherence to budgetary parameters and appropriate inventory practices 

• Ensure timely procurement of materials and supplies for construction teams by managing shopping/errand tasks for union-represented Production Assistants

• Provide direct supervision to the Warehouse Manager (a union-represented role) and indirect supervision of other warehouse personnel and shoppers (also union-represented) 

Requirements and preferred qualifications:

• At least two years’ experience managing the handling, transportation, and rental of theatrical costumes

• Experience with costume construction or theatrical wardrobe work

• Experience with domestic and international shipping coordination

• Experience supervising other employees in a unionized environment preferred

• Knowledge of costume construction and wardrobe operations

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and digital photography and ability to quickly learn new applications 

• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail

• A proactive approach to problem-solving

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• A valid driver’s license and good driving record

• Personal vehicle for frequent travel between Costume Shop, opera house, and costume storage locations. This role may also be required to drive company vehicles including a van and a truck.

We are committed to a workplace in which everyone is treated respectfully and has equitable opportunities, and we are seeking a Costume Production Stock & Rental Coordinator who champions and demonstrates this commitment. 

About LA Opera: 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 and Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles. 

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

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $68,500 - $70,000 Annual