Stitcher

Position

The Stitcher shall be tasked primarily with altering and repairing costumes for Oregon Ballet Theatre’s Costume Shop. The successful candidate will work independently and as a team player. The role requires the ability to communicate and coordinate with various constituencies from artists and staff, and sometimes vendors and contractors. Knowledge of costume shop operations, or previous experience as a Stitcher, with a strong aptitude to manage deadlines and budgets, and work in a dynamic environment, is essential. The position reports to the Costume Shop Supervisor.

Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Job Duties/Competencies

• • Ability to operate a variety of sewing machines including industrial single needle, zig zag, Merrow serger, and/or other domestic machines;
  • Perform alterations and repairs to rented or stock costumes;
  • Complete alterations from fittings;
  • Finish construction of costumes built by any member of the shop and continue to alter as needed to fulfill show needs;
  • Communicate with other team members concerning problems and possible solutions;
  • Assist in other areas of the shop as directed by the Costume Shop
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational
  • Ability to work independently and with others as a
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines with strong time and stress management skills.
  • Demonstrated experience in machine & hand sewing

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the construction of theatrical
• Background or experience in ballet preferred but not
• Two years’ experience in the construction of theatrical

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Doc)
• Basic math skills and ability to work within budgets
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Working at OBT

Mission

 Oregon Ballet Theatre is dedicated to fostering an enduring appreciation for dance through the pursuit of excellence in performance, training, and community programs.

Vision

Oregon Ballet Theatre seeks to inspire the dancer in all of us through the power of movement.

Equity

OBT is committed to a diverse, racially and culturally inclusive, and equitable workplace in which differences broaden our awareness, enrich our daily experiences, and contribute to our collective strength. We seek to understand, acknowledge, and mitigate inequities in ballet in general, and at OBT specifically.

Culture

Across our organization, OBT is committed to creating a culture characterized by the following: Kind. Positive. Solution-Oriented. Gratitude. Candid. Forgiving. Learning. Trust. Teamwork. Compassionate. Ambassadors. Accountable.

Accommodation

 As part of our commitment to equity, OBT will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals who are differently abled to perform the primary responsibilities of this job.

Security Clearance 

OBT conducts background checks after a conditional offer of employment is made. A background check finding does not automatically preclude employment. OBT reviews the results of each background check individually and assesses them on a case-by-case basis for context and relevance to a job.

Working Conditions

This job is operated in a professional costume shop and in the dressing rooms of the theatre. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; have good manual dexterity, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. The role works with a variety of chemicals, including soaps, cleaning fluids, solvents, dyes, and other backstage work requires the ability to work in dim light.

Work Schedule

This position is an over-hire opportunity, intended to provide supplemental staffing support as needed. Please note that hours are not guaranteed and will vary based on operational demand. The ideal candidate will have a flexible schedule and be available to work a minimum four-hour shift during typical office hours. This position occasionally requires weekend work. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as assignments may be scheduled on short notice depending on departmental needs.

Travel

Travel to and from schools and other community partners is required during workdays. All locations are within the Portland Metro area.

Compensation

 This hourly position ranges from $18.00-$20.00 per hour depending on experience.

Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, or CV to Allison.Dawe@obt.org. Please include any applicable experience relevant to the role along with your resume submission. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Oregon Ballet Theatre

This is an exciting time to work at Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) – the nation’s 20th largest classical ballet company. OBT is the largest professional dance company in Oregon, employing over 300 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today, including our own Artistic Director, Dani Rowe. Our mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in our region.

In addition to our 5-show main stage season, we introduce students to ballet and the importance of lifelong movement through our education and community engagement programs, and we train dancers from three years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the Oregon Ballet Theatre School. Many of our students go on to successful professional careers at companies including the Joffrey, the Dutch National Ballet, and within our own organization.