Head Wardrobe - Opera House
Job description
About The Kennedy Center
"I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit." - President John F. Kennedy
The Kennedy Center is the nation's cultural center and living memorial to President John F. Kennedy. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Washington, D.C., the Center presents performances across all genres and is also home to artistic affiliates Washington National Opera and National Symphony Orchestra.
At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences, and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.
Mission Statement: As the nation's performing arts center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.
Why Join Us
We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all employees including:
- Staff offers for discount tickets
- We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2023 staff video!
Job Description
Pay: This is a union position with wages determined by the CBA.
The Kennedy Center Production Operations Department seeks a wardrobe technician with a thorough working knowledge of running theatrical productions as well as care and maintenance knowledge of costumes used in the entertainment industry. The position is the Head of the Wardrobe Department for the Kennedy Center Opera House. Applicant must have a minimum of five years' experience as a professional wardrobe technician. The candidate must have a solid working knowledge in: costume care, working as a theatrical dresser, costume construction, fabric knowledge, basic ballet or performance shoe care and painting experience, basic computer skills, and the ability to be a leader of crews. Candidate must have wardrobe experience in Opera, ballet, touring Broadway, Gala, and all genres of theatrical presentations. Applicant must have working knowledge of modern stage technology and procedures. Applicant must have a strong understanding of discipline and the privacy required to work in a backstage and dressing room environment. Applicant must be familiar with the safe working procedures of a stage, laundry room, dressing rooms and its related tools and equipment as well as safe working procedures in a production environment. This position is a "staff" recognized position in the Opera House as defined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between The Kennedy Center and I.A.T.S.E. Wardrobe union local #772.
Key Responsibilities
- As JFKC Head, Wardrobe, Opera House, technician will work as a crew chief and a team member with the other members of the Kennedy Center Production Team as well as with visiting technical staff from touring attractions. The wardrobe technician will work with Production Management with scheduling, loading in, setting up, rehearsing, and loading out productions. Head Wardrobe Technician will need to act as a leader and Crew Chief to any over-hire employees referred to work in the Opera House by I.A.T.S.E. local #772. Head Wardrobe Technician will work with visiting "Road Crews" and Kennedy Center Programmers, to safely and efficiently schedule, lay-out and plan all aspects for the mounting of productions, visiting and produced in the Kennedy Center Opera House. Head Wardrobe Technician will work with Production Management assuring technical and staffing needs of "tech riders" are fulfilled and/or assessing and creating schedules and plans of production needs. Head Wardrobe Technician will perform other work as assigned and defined in the CBA.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualifications
- A minimum of 5 years' professional experience in the Entertainment Industry.
- Bachelor's degree in technical theatre, or equivalent professional working experience required.
- The applicant must possess excellent skill levels in set up and operation of theatrical equipment enabling smooth running of performances. Applicant must be able to work well with others, and be able to prioritize in a high pressure environment. Applicant must have experience working with union crews.
- Flexibility, the ability to work well under pressure, and the ability to prioritize in a multi-task environment are required.
- Thorough working knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and presentation.
- Thorough working knowledge of equipment used in the cleaning and maintenance of fabrics and costumes used in the Entertainment Industry.
- Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including, Word and Excel.
- Knowledge of Arts-Vision software for production and programming calendars a plus.
- Candidate must be local or willing to relocate to the DMV area.
- Frequent lifting and moving of heavy yet fragile equipment. Head Wardrobe Technician must be able to work odd hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, and frequent work beyond 40 hours per week. Must be able to spend 10 hours a day standing and walking.
Additional Information
- The sound and light level in the work environment varies widely from high to low intensity.
- Loud noises include power tools, sound reinforcement, as well as large orchestras, and loud musical groups.
