Vancouver Opera

Position: Costume Director 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 Vancouver Opera 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. 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. 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

Minimum 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.

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 Vancouver Opera Offers A dynamic team environment in an exciting cultural hub, a strong partnership network, we deliver amazing main-stage productions, and exceptional education and community programming. The candidate will be engaged as an independent contractor, for a flat fee of $20,000. 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].” Deadline Applications will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, July 19, 2026 Anticipated Start Date August 24, 2026

Vancouver Opera Orchestra Notice of Audition Vancouver Opera will hold auditions for: 2nd Clarinet / Bass Clarinet, Section Violin, Section Bass (Core Orchestra) All candidates must apply by e-mail only with a current résumé to: Orchestra Auditions: orchaud@vancouveropera.ca Deadline: by 5pm Friday, September 11, 2026 Those applicants short-listed for an audition will be contacted in writing via e-mail by Friday, September 18 with details. Auditions for 2nd Clarinet / Bass Clarinet will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Auditions for Section Violin & Section Bass will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026. These positions are being auditioned as per Section 6.6 of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement. The successful candidates will be subject to a probation period as per Section 10 of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement. This audition is being held as per Section 14 (Auditions) of the Vancouver Opera/VMA Collective Agreement—a copy of which may be found at the offices of the VMA. All candidates shall be members in good standing of the AFM and shall maintain membership in the VMA for the duration of their engagement as per section 2.5.1 of the VOA/VMA agreement. Candidates are responsible for travel and all associated costs of attendance at the audition. If the successful Candidate is not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident, they will be responsible for any immigration/employment concerns. The Vancouver Opera Orchestra (VOO) is comprised of a Core Orchestra of 54 players and a Core Extras List. Vancouver Opera engages all Core Orchestra / Core Extras List Musicians as per Section 3.2 (Recognition of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra (VOO)) of the VOA/VMA Agreement. Remuneration: The Vancouver Opera Orchestra is a per-service orchestra. Currently, Vancouver Opera has a season of 3 main-stage productions. Section scale per production is approximately $2,400.00 + 14% AFM-EPW. Principal players receive +25% premium. The VOO tunes to A440. Any questions, please contact orchaud@vancouveropera.ca VO Audition Package - Clarinet (2nd & Bass) VO Audition Package - Violin Section VO Audition Package - Bass Section

Vancouver Opera is seeking a male-presenting supernumerary for an upcoming production of Tosca. We are looking for someone with a large, physically imposing presence who can credibly convey strength, authority, and intimidation onstage. Acting experience is welcome, though professional performance experience is not required. Experience in martial arts or other forms of physical training is a plus, but not required. Please include any relevant fight or movement experience on your resume, if applicable. This is a non-singing, non-speaking role. The successful applicant should be comfortable taking direction, working collaboratively in a rehearsal environment, and performing as part of a large-scale opera production. This is an honorarium-based engagement and is open to non-CAEA performers only. Please submit a brief email of interest, along with a recent photo, to auditions@vancouveropera.ca by August 15, 2026.